Bam Adebayo wants the burden

There will be no playoffs this season for the Miami Heat, so Clean Out Day came early. Some players and Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra are meeting with the media and, as of this writing, big men Kelly Olynyk and Bam Adebayo have already done so.

Adebayo, in particular, is interesting because he had a bit of a breakout this season, especially in the 28 games he started, while being the only player on the team to play in all 82. He developed his ballhandling and his defensive versatility, and has shown glimpses of a jumper if he’ll just be more aggressive.

Erik Spoelstra: "The other positive of this season are the growth of our young players. Bam, from his rookie year, to his second year, measured out to one of the top centers in the league, particularly after the New Year." @5ReasonsSports

— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) April 12, 2019

But here’s what is most promising about Adebayo, who is mature for his age (22 in July):

He facilitates.

This is something, of course, that the other Heat center is loathe to do.

And Adebayo wants to do more of it.

Bam Adebayo says he can average 5 assists per game:

"I like getting my teammates involved."

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) April 12, 2019

Adebayo averaged 2.2 in just 23.3 minutes this season.

That’s solid for a center, and as he develops more chemistry with his teammates, that should improve. As Erik Spoelstra noted, Adebayo had at least five assists in 14 games.

He also says he can play with the guy he calls “H.” They played only 14 minutes together this season, with Spoelstra preferring to pair either with Olynyk or James Johnson.

Bam Adebayo says he can play with Hassan Whiteside…

Does not demand to be a starter. Says he is OK either way.

"H is one of those guys, when he wants to work with somebody, wants to grow, and we've had those moments before. You never know."

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) April 12, 2019

One of our guys isn’t thrilled with that idea…

He can't. They can't. Let's dead this right now.

It has not worked. It will not worked. Stop suggesting it. https://t.co/omb0j7DOud

— Chloe Jackson Fan Acct. (@NekiasNBA) April 12, 2019

But this is the way Adebayo speaks, and this is what is so encouraging. Miami’s Kids are all quality people, but the question is whether they are players to build around, or just build with.

Bam Adebayo: "I want more. I want to get better. I want to be a leader."

If his game catches up to his disposition, the Heat have something here.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) April 12, 2019