Former Wildcat Bam Adebayo is already making NBA history

When the regular season commenced, no one thought a virus would cause it to be suspended for several months. Another thing no one imagined was that the Miami Heat would be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Ending with the fifth seed, Miami should be feared with the postseason staring in just a few days.

Behind Jimmy Butler, the Heat have dominating players on both sides of the court. While Butler is the household name, the Heat have also been led by two Kentucky Wildcats — Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.

Adebayo, a candidate for the KIA Most Improved Player along with Luka Doncic and Brandon Ingram, took a jump that no one could’ve expected.

The 14th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Adebayo is transforming into one of the best all-around big men, ending his season averaging 15.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists, almost double his average in each category from a season ago.

By finishing with those averages, Adebayo became the second-youngest player in NBA history to average 15+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists in a season, trailing only NBA Hall of Fame big man Oscar Robertson.

Adebayo isn’t even a month into turning 23, so the former Cat should only be scratching the surface of what he can become.

With multiple triple doubles throughout the season, Adebayo earned his first All-Star appearance. Averaging over both a steal and block per game as well, Adebayo has entered the limelight for his play on both sides of the court.

It’s not easy to understand just how improved Adebayo is if you just look at his numbers. While this clip is 20 minutes, the first highlight shows everything you need to know about Adebayo’s potential as an athlete and decision maker.

The Heat will take on the Pacers in the first round of the 2020 NBA playoffs. If they advance, they’ll likely get Milwaukee. Bam could become a household name if helps take down the team with the NBA’s best record.

Adebayo has one more season before he enter the free agency market, one that will easily offer him a max-level contract, if the Heat don’t first.