MIAMI – With the 14th pick of the 2017 NBA draft, the Miami Heat selects: Bam Adebayo, forward from Kentucky.
Who?
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Let's not kid ourselves. That was likely the reaction from much of Heat nation. And I don't blame you. While having a catchy name, Adebayo isn't exactly a household name.
This despite playing at a powerhouse like Kentucky.
But the simple fact is he was overshadowed by some other talented players there.
Once the shock factor is over, let's see what Adebayo does provide.
No. 1 is athleticism. In watching his college video and individual workout, Bam is a perfect name for him.
He's active, he's strong and he's a powerful finisher. Adebayo can play defense and he's tough around the basket.
At worst, he can form a potent 1-2 punch with Hassan Whiteside in making things tough for opponents inside next season.
Many Heat fans will ask, what's the upside?
The one part of his game that has intrigued me since hearing his name called at the draft is his ability to shoot. For a player who's around 6-foot-10, he appears to have a nice touch. Heat president Pat Riley said after the draft that Bam knocked down 30 of 50 3-pointers during his pre-draft workout.
For him to be worth of this lottery selection, it's likely he'll have to develop that part of his game at the NBA level.
To put things in perspective, he didn't attempt a single 3-point shot in his one season at Kentucky. But, again, that was likely due to playing around other star players who dominated the basketball.
It's an interesting pick for Miami. It's clear the Heat didn't see the upside from taking a safer pick available at 14, like Justin Jackson or TJ Leaf. These were two solid players who likely provided more safety but little upside.
Adebayo certainly has potential. It's far from a "safe" pick, but at this position of the draft, sometimes it's better to go with someone who "wows" you, as Riley said Adebayo did with him.
As with any draft pick, only time will tell if this pick makes you say Bam or sham.
After looking over his upside, athletic ability and other choices available in the draft, I think it was a chance worth taking for Miami.