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Miami Heat: Complete 2017 offseason grades

By Jordan Treske

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 23: Miami Heat President, Pat Riley and head coach, Erik Spoelstra introduce Bam Adebayo during a press conference at American Airlines Arena on June 23, 2017 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2017 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 23: Miami Heat President, Pat Riley and head coach, Erik Spoelstra introduce Bam Adebayo during a press conference at American Airlines Arena on June 23, 2017 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2017 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images /

2017 NBA Draft

Although they only held just one pick in this year’s draft, the Heat had a key selection with the 14th overall pick. But with intriguing prospects who filled a need and possessed plenty of upside already off the board by the time the Heat were on the clock, it was unclear who checked all the boxes the Heat were looking for in the players available from an outside perspective.

In the end, Miami took Kentucky big man Bam Adebayo with the selection. On the night of the draft, it was very easy to be puzzled by the pick, since the Heat already have a starting-level big man in Whiteside and further bolstered their big man rotation as they added Olynyk in free agency.

However, the Heat are clearly playing the long game by nabbing Adebayo. While he had his fair share of ups and downs during his lone season at Lexington, Adebayo flashed the skill-set associated with the modern big man, save for stretching the floor.

Although it’s a little foolish to put a lot of stock in NBA Summer League showings, Adebayo’s performance in Las Vegas certainly opened up a few eyes as he stood as one of the most impressive rookies during the event, averaging 17.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.

Overall, Adebayo may not be in line for a big role instantly, but with the right development as well as right set of circumstances opening up for him individually, he could become a nice complementary piece for the Heat in the years to come.

Grade: B-

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