How Bam Adebayo became an NBA All-Star

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There were always expectations for Bam Adebayo since the Miami Heat selected him with the 14th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but few expected him to become an All-Star in just his third season in the league.

Widely regarded as one of the best draft and scouting teams in the NBA, the Heat really liked this Kentucky prospect back in 2017. Heat GM Andy Elisburg revealed they picked him because of his extraordinary footwork; he could guard all five positions and fit perfectly with Heat Culture. However, he was still quite raw at 20 years old. Adebayo slowly earned his minutes in the Heat’s competitive rotation.

He looked like such a bright prospect that USA Basketball invited him to their selective training camps for the 2020 FIBA World Cup.

Adebayo had a chance to play for Team USA in China; however, he was cut from the team. Since then, Bam has had a chip on his shoulder.

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He put in extra hours of work during the 2019 offseason, motivated by the fact that he was left out of Team USA. He is such a quick learner, in the sense that once you point out a mistake and how to correct it, he immediately fixes it. Instead of letting his USA Basketball experience to be a setback, he used it as fuel. Adebayo became an All-Star this season and impressed everybody.

Even Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich was marveled. “Now that you see him during the season, I’ve shaken my head several times. That’s not the guy we saw during the tryout. Maybe that was my fault.”

In the 2020 playoffs, Bam has been the perfect do-it-all glue guy the Heat needed to come this far.

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He has defended the opposing team’s best big man, set up his teammates for easy baskets, and had big scoring nights himself as well; he is versatility personified.

Hard work, discipline, and commitment will always pay off.

Bam has been an integral part of Miami’s playoff run and is close to leading his team to an unexpected NBA Finals appearance. All the makings of a future all-star!