Bam Adebayo is the future of the Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler may be their best player right now, but Adebayo is set to be the face of the organization for many years to come.
He’s already made one All-Star appearance, and some believe he was snubbed last year. At just under 24-years-old, he is set to have a long, successful NBA career.
With that being said, what kind of season should Miami Heat fans expect from Adebayo next season? As he slowly improves in all areas, what kind of statistics will he put up in his fifth year in the league?
The Miami Heat could be pleasantly surprised by Bam Adebayo’s improvements next season. The young center is due for a breakout season.
Last season, Adebayo averaged 18.7 points, nine rebounds, and 5.4 assists, while shooting an efficient 57% from the field. He also put up 1.2 steals and one block per game.
Saving scoring for last, let’s break down each of these statistical categories. The most difficult category to predict has to be his rebounding numbers.
He went from averaging 10.2 rebounds during the 2019-20 season to only nine per game last year. Realistically, the addition of Dewayne Dedmon and Precious Achiuwa to the roster probably had something to do with it.
There’s a good chance Achiuwa will be back next season, but Dedmon’s status with the team is a question mark. Based on that, Adebayo’s rebounding stats next season should be around 10 per game.
Next up, Adebayo’s passing numbers. He’s a very good passer for a big man, and his assists per game reflect that well.
Despite an increase in scoring last year, Adebayo still managed to improve his assist numbers as well. Due to this, he should be set to improve once again in that category.
A massive jump is unlikely since he will probably see an increased role in the scoring department. However, don’t be surprised if his assists per game number floats around six per game next year.
Moving on to his defensive stats, these should be getting better every season. Adebayo is good enough to be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year on a yearly basis.
If the Miami Heat can have a somewhat normal season in terms of COVID and injuries next year, their defense should be as stellar as ever. Adebayo’s steals per game may not fluctuate, but an optimistic blocks per game guess should be around two per game.
Lastly, Adebayo’s scoring has always been an intriguing part of his game. With Butler getting older, he should be taking more of the load in that department.
He’ll be playing with Team USA this summer, which will give him a great opportunity to improve his scoring abilities. Next year could be when Miami Heat fans see Adebayo take that next step in the scoring column.
He has a great chance to crack 20+ points per game next year. It’s bound to happen eventually, and with his steady improvements, it should happen sooner rather than later.
Final prediction: 21.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.7 blocks
Adebayo has all the tools to become a true superstar in the NBA. The Miami Heat are set for a long time as long as he is at the helm.