3 The Bam Show
The organization has likely found a Heat Lifer in Bam Adebayo.
Having signed a five-year, $163 million contract extension earlier this season, the 23-year-old made it clear he was not looking to jump ship, anytime soon. Now, it’s just a matter of him accepting the fact that he’s essentially the new face of the franchise.
It’s true that Jimmy Butler is the team’s biggest star – but he did only join Miami one season ago. And at 31-years-old, he mathematically shouldn’t outlast Adebayo’s remaining career. This means the big man is on deck, to fill Dwyane Wade’s shoes.
Now obviously, that’s easier said than done, especially for a guy with a naturally more reserved temperament. But at 6’9″ and 255 lbs, with the ability to still run the floor like a gazelle and nail jumpers, the center needs to fully embrace stardom and be as aggressive as possible, on the court.
On paper, Adebayo is contributing in every way imaginable, averaging 18.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 block and 1.1 steals a game so far this year, in 31.7 minutes of play. Yet, there’s an argument to be made that perhaps the former Kentucky standout, could benefit from being a little more selfish.
Take his performance in the Heat’s inexcusable 144-97 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on December 29, for example. While absolutely nothing was going right for Miami that night, Adebayo himself ended the contest with an underwhelming 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal, alongside four turnovers.
If Miami wants to return to Eastern Conference Finals form, they’ll absolutely need Adebayo to step a bit more into the limelight.
The Miami Heat will next take on the Washington Wizards on January 9.