Becoming a leader
Adebayo also has the opportunity to become a more vocal leader on the court. After the departure of Josh Richardson, the heavy workload will certainly fall heavily on both Justise Winslow and Adebayo. Of course, Butler will be the immediate factor, but he needs help and that’s where that opportunity comes knocking the door.
We know Winslow revealed some of that leadership last year, but that was mainly overshadowed by Dwyane Wade’s last season. Bam seems to be the next one being called up to step up to the plate. He is still young, only 22 years old, but has shown maturity in his two short years and been viewed as a major stepping stone into the future.
Now is the time to prove his worth. And by the looks of it, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has also taken notice.
"“Really measured out as one of the top centers in the league, particularly after the new year,” coach Erik Spoelstra said in the Miami Herald. “We had a winning record when he was in the starting lineup, and the growth of his game was notable just from even summer league last year to the impact he had on our team this year and how he improved.”"
With his versatility, he can become a somewhat modernized version of what the limited Hassan Whiteside was able to do and that’s a great thing moving forward. A center who can run the point, become a playmaker, slash and drive, shoot the jumper, and dominate the post are very promising skillsets for the Miami Heat. The question remains whether he can make that jump next year.
Judging from his somewhat breakout second year, it’s not far-fetched to believe Bam Adebayo might make tremendous strides to a Miami Heat team fighting to become relevant once again.