Miami Heat: Counting down the 5 best things from 2019-20 season

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

1. Bam Adebayo’s breakout

Undoubtedly, the best development from the 2019-20 season was Bam Adebayo becoming a star.

After being a bench player for roughly 75 percent of his first two seasons, Adebayo started in 22 of the final 23 games of last season. His numbers went up across the board, averaging 11.6 points, 9.1 rebound and, 3.0 assists.

Yet again, Adebayo has stepped up his game. The 22-year-old center is averaging 16.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists on 56.7 percent shooting; this is one of just five seasons in NBA history where a player recorded these numbers (Wilt Chamberlain twice, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Giannis Antetokounmpo). He was named a first-time All-Star in the process.

Adebayo is the centerpiece of the Miami Heat’s offense. He operates from the high post, orchestrating dribble handoffs and pick-and-rolls (with himself as the roll man), finding open teammates or taking the ball to the hoop himself. There are also plenty of times where Adebayo will bring the ball up and take his defender 1-on-1, showcasing his improved ball-handling.

Adebayo is Miami’s defensive anchor. His mobility, strength and IQ are highly important to Miami’s 2-3 zone defense and it allows him to switch onto just about any player in the league. He has a strong case to be on an All-Defensive team, if not win the Defensive Player of the Year award. His stark improvement from last year also makes him a strong candidate for the Most Improved Player award.

Even if the Miami Heat aren’t able to make a deep playoff run, the franchise now knows it has a young cornerstone that can run the offense and handle tough defensive assignments.