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How Bam Adebayo evolved into one of the NBA’s elite centers

By Brennan Sims

Jun 9, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) is introduced before game four of the 2023 NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) is introduced before game four of the 2023 NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bam Adebayo is the kind of homegrown talent that can transform a franchise. The 14th pick in the 2017 draft, Adebayo is a two-time All-Star, four-time All-Defensive team selection and has emerged as one of the best centers in the game. The Miami Heat have their centerpiece and have rightly deemed Bam untradeable because of what he is and what he can still become.

Adebayo’s handle and passing have been decent since he entered the league six seasons ago, but he continues to add to his skillset. He’s one of the best screen-setters in the league. Bam is known throughout NBA circles as a great defender (see his four straight All-Defense nominations), but I’m not sure if he’s appreciated as much as he should be for being an explosive tank on the non-glamorous side of the court.

Since his rookie season, Bam has evolved from a rim-running big and occasionally switchable defender to one of the most versatile centers in the league. And he’s just getting started.

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