NBA Draft 2017: Miami Heat select Kentucky’s Bam Adebayo

The Miami Heat have selected Kentucky’s Bam Adebayo with the 14th selection of the 2017 NBA Draft.

Adebayo was a bit overshadowed by De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk in his lone year in Lexington. The 6’10”, 250-pound center still managed to average 13 points and eight rebounds per game. He finished his freshman season with more dunks than former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Davis did during his lone college season.

Early in the draft process, Adebayo wasn’t getting a lot of looks because of a lack of a perimeter game. He doesn’t fit the modern-day big man in the sense that he’s not a good outside shooter. Adebayo does most of his work around the rim. His length, wingspan, and overall athleticism actually make him a perfect fit in today’s NBA.

Adebayo gives the Miami Heat another athletic big man to pair with Hassan Whiteside.

Adebayo’s stock seemed to rise recently once teams began to see him work out. He will be an asset on defense and should contribute immediately on the boards. If Adebayo can develop a solid jump shot, he could be a huge steal for the Heat.

In his only season with the Wildcats, Adebayo was one of the more exciting players in college basketball. Best of luck in Miami, Bam.