Miami

Heat Select Bam Adebayo in First Round of 2017 NBA Draft

The Heat used their first round pick to select Bam Adebayo in the 2017 NBA draft on Thursday

The Miami Heat selected power forward Bam Adebayo in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft on Thursday.

The Heat had the 14th pick and saw a few potential targets come off the board ahead of their selection. Adebayo came out of Kentucky after only one year, but it was a solid campaign. Adebayo who goes by "Bam" averaged 13 points and eight rebounds in slightly over 30 minutes a game.

In addition to his rebounding and scoring ability, Adebayo brings some blocking talent to Miami. Alongside Hassan Whiteside, the Heat could have some big block numbers ahead of them. Adebayo could need time to develop into a big-time NBA talent, but the potential is there.

Adebayo is listed as 6'10" and weighs in at 242 pounds. The forward who should backup Justise Winslow, made 59.9% of his attempted shots while playing in Kentucky. Finding a reliable big man was a priority for Miami this off-season, after dealing with a myriad of injuries in 2016-17. The Heat are now better positioned in 2017-18, if they have to turn to the bench.

Prior to selecting Adebayo, it appeared Miami could land a guard. With the Denver Nuggets on the clock at #13, Donovan Mitchell remained available. The Nuggets traded the pick to Utah and Mitchell came off the board. It is possible Miami would have went for the guard if given the chance.

Miami only has one pick in this year's draft and currently has no picks scheduled for 2018.

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