Looking At The Evolution Of Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo Offensive Game
Coming out of college, Bam Adebayo’s NBA comparison was Markieef Morris and Tristian Thompson according to NBAdraft.net.
Most scouts saw Adebayo as an athletic defensive mobile big with a solid frame but needed a solid offensive game to keep him on the court.
He lacked shot creation, with most of his points at Kentucky on assisted dunks. He also wasn’t a great free throw shooter, and didn’t show any real passing ability. Fast forward to 2023 and Adebayo is now in debates with Anthony Davis as the best big in the league.
How did Bam get to that point offensively while also being one of the best defensive players in the league?
“I told him [Bam] he’s gotten better," Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard said.
Adebayo's offensive leap is noticeable and the confidence is also there. He has no problem putting the ball on the floor. He’s able to read double teams and make the correct pass to set up good looks for others. He’s atop the league in overall player impact estimate, and in the paint field goal makes. During Adebayo's 31-point performance against the Bucks, six of his 13 field goals were unassisted.
According to Bball-Index.com, here are Adebayo's offensive grades this season:
Midrange Talent: A+
Playmaking: A-
One-on-One Talent: A+
Total Isolations: A
Overall Shot Making: A
Finishing Talent: B-
Adebayo is averaging 23.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game so far this season shooting 52 percent from the field even with the increase in shot attempts (16.3). He is becoming a superstar right before our eyes and keeping the Heat in the mix while the team deals with the swarm of injuries.
Devin Brown is a contributing writer to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at devinbrownjr95@gmail.com
