With James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic dominating the league thus far in the 2019-20 season, it is difficult for other players who have impressive performances to receive the spotlight. Bam Adebayo, the 22-year old Miami Heat stud, has earned himself not one, but two triple-doubles this past week.
Adebayo’s performance against Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night was one for the books, as he went 13-for-18 from the field for 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Adebayo is quickly making a name for himself with only two years of experience in the league.
It is Bam Adebayo’s second triple-double of his young career, which Miami can certainly use his sudden surge and dominance come playoffs. In the overtime win against the Atlanta Hawks on December 10, Adebayo’s plus-minus point differential was an impressive +26, behind teammate Jimmy Butler’s +32.
“He’s so great at finding the open man, and he’s only getting better at it,” Butler said of Adebayo.
“Myself, the coaches and the rest of the team, we trust him with the ball in his hands, early, late, and anywhere in between. Obviously, he’s also our best rebounder. He’s a complete player. The crazy part about it is he’s only going to get better. That’s the exciting thing.” (via the Miami Herald).
The other six players with multiple triple-doubles this season include the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Draymond Green, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, and Russell Westbrook.
Adebayo currently sits in second for the best passing big men in the league. Among NBA centers, Adebayo is currently averaging 4.6 assists per game, behind Jokic (6.5 assists).
There is already a tight race this early in the season in the Eastern Conference for second place between Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Boston Celtics. If Bam Adebayo can maintain his dominance through the remainder of the season, then there is no debate that Miami will sit as one of the top three teams in the East come June.