Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-2022 season: 30-21

By Corey Rausch

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives around Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game Six of the NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum on July 20, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives around Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game Six of the NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum on July 20, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 10
Next
NBA (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
NBA (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Top 50 NBA players: 23. Bam Adebayo

Previous Rank: 20

Coming off a run to the NBA Finals a season ago, Bam Adebayo was entering a season with expectations that would have been nearly impossible for him to have ever measured up to. Despite having a strong season following the shortest turnaround in NBA history, the only thing fans wanted to hang on Adebayo was that he was not quite the two-way force, in their eyes, that they saw run amok against the Eastern Conference in the bubble. The truth was a little more impressive for Miami Heat fans and presents something positive for the season ahead.

Despite being less heralded, Adebayo was still a force on the court. He averaged 18.7 points (an increase of 2.8 per game), 9.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Remaining in contention for Defensive Player of the Year throughout the season, Adebayo suffered from much of the fatigue that struck the rest of his teammates after being asked for a return to play two months and 12 days after they appeared in the NBA Finals.

This season, Adebayo will be able to play more freely. The addition of Kyle Lowry to the roster opens up a world of possibilities for the Miami Heat, giving them another chance to get back to the NBA Finals. Adebayo will be able to focus on what made him a star in the first place. Prepare for an impressive return to All-Star form.