Miami Heat: Ranking the franchise’s last 10 first-round picks

2. Bam Adebayo

• Drafted 14th overall in 2017
• Years in Miami: three (and counting)

Miami drafted Bam Adebayo at the tail end of the lottery in 2017. Heat brass was enamored with the 6’9″ Kentucky product’s intensity in his predraft workout.

Then 20 years old, Adebayo spent his rookie season backing up Hassan Whiteside. In 19.8 minutes per game, he averaged a measly 6.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Adebayo improved his second season, becoming the starter in 22 of Miami’s 26 post-All-Star-break games. His numbers improved and the Heat didn’t miss a beat; the team posted a winning percentage of 44 percent through its first 56 games and 46% over its final 26 contests.

Adebayo solidified his ranking at No. 2 with his breakout 2019-20 season, his first as the full-time starting center. He established himself as one of the league’s best defenders, put up career highs across the board and was named an All-Star. He averaged 16.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists, just one of 40 seasons in which a player averaged a 16-10-5 stat line.

Adebayo’s athleticism and passing abilities make him a truly unique player. He anchors Miami’s defense and is the key cog in its offense. He’ll be eligible for a contract extension after this season, and Miami has no reason not to extend an offer to its second-best player.