The Miami Heat have continuously been at the forefront of conversations when it comes to contenders in the Eastern Conference.
However, if the Heat hope to win another NBA championship, they will need more contributions on offense from the team’s top players. Fortunately for Miami, head coach Erik Spoelstra has one of the best No. 2 options in the league.
“(Bam) Adebayo is as competitive as anyone in the NBA,” writes Yahoo Sports’ Ben Rohrbach. “He has the size and strength to bump bodies in the post and the athleticism to move with anyone on the perimeter. And he has found his way to 20 points per game over the past three years.”
“But his limitations as an offensive player prevent him from becoming Miami's top dog. That and the fact that Jimmy Butler, the embodiment of an alpha, is on his team. Adebayo is a natural No. 2.”
Adebyao was selected with the last pick of the lottery in the 2017 NBA Draft. The former Kentucky star has developed into one of the most versatile big men in the league since joining Miami.
The 6-foot-9 playmaker has long been considered one of the best defensive players in the league, but the 27-year-old has shown strides in his offensive game as well.
The SEC product is averaging 19.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 53.1% from field goal range across the last two seasons. In addition, Adebayo showed an improved three-point shot during his time with Team USA in the Paris Olympics this summer.
If the veteran can pair an efficient three-point shot alongside his already dangerous midrange game, he could be well on his way to being more than the team’s No. 2 option.
For now, Adebayo will have to use being ranked as the No. 4 sidekick in the league as fuel to prove he’s more than that.
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