The Miami Heat have been known to nail a draft pick or two, but the rippling effects of signing Bam Adebayo are greater than first meets the eye.
It’s April 2017 and the Miami Heat are coming off of a 41-41 season, which had them finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference; they’ve missed the playoffs by one game thanks to the Chicago Bulls, a team that acquired franchise-face Dwyane Wade, just a year prior.
Their 30-11 second-half run wasn’t enough to overcome an 11-30 start and the team was still without Chris Bosh, who ultimately had to retire due to reoccurring blood clots.
Heat Nation was tired from a long rollercoaster ride of emotions and ready to use the offseason to rest and recharge.
But suddenly, it was June 22, the day of the NBA Draft, and the Heat were armed with the No. 14 pick. While rumors of who the ball club had its eye on swirled, in typical Miami fashion, not a single prospect was leaked.
So when Bam Adebayo was selected, fans weren’t quite sure what to do with themselves. While some praised president Pat Riley for grabbing a Kentucky Wildcat and others were just grateful to have another backup for Hassan Whiteside, the majority had no opinion at all.
However, fast forward to December 2020 and well, it would be darn near impossible to find a single Adebayo critic out there.
But the love for the big man goes beyond an appreciation for his raw skill and contagious smile – it’s the Bam Adebayo Effect that has both the organization and its fans, in awe.
A Continuing Youth Movement
It’s no secret that for years, Riley valued trade assets over draft acquisitions – despite the Heat being well-known for their ability to develop young talent, the Godfather was used to managing rosters stacked with already-established stars, not budding professionals.
In fact, even after selecting Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson in 2015, he still didn’t seem sold on the idea of a youth movement; instead, he continued to focus on landing “a whale.”
It’s safe to say all of that has changed though.
That’s because between the newest Miami member, rookie Precious Achiuwa, Adebayo himself and 2019 pick Tyler Herro (plus the likes of Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson), the young fellas are obviously playing a major role in leading the team forward.
Recruitment Bait
Let’s get this out of the way first: yes, the Heat have long-since been a favorable landing spot for free agents. Between the franchise’s legacy, an elite front office plus coaching staff and the city of Miami itself, the organization is not a hard sell.
Still, added bait never hurts.
And after Adebayo’s tremendous 2019-20 run, during which he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, became an All-Star for the first time (including winning the NBA All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge) and finished as runner-up in Most Improved Player voting, ballers would be crazy not to want to play alongside such a stud.
(He also averaged an easy 17.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 steal a game while banged up, during unarguably the strangest yet NBA Playoffs… just saying.)
Culture Glue
At this point, the Heat are best known for The Culture – a lifestyle that extends way beyond just what happens on the court.
Needless to say, Adebayo is not only a huge reason for its sustainability over the past few seasons but is also responsible for its growth and development.
Take his close relationship with Jimmy Butler, for example. While Butler only relocated to South Florida last summer, the two have quickly forged a close friendship, with chemistry that is as impressive off the floor, as it is on.
Similarly, Adebayo has become Heat Lifer Udonis Haslem’s number one pupil.
With the 23-year-old having recently signed a five-year, $163 million contract extension, here’s hoping that Bam Adebayo remains a member of the Miami Heat, for many years to come.