NBA Season Preview 2018-19: 10 players who will take the leap this season

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Tobias Harris #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 4: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on April 4, 2018 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kevin Liles/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo’s rookie campaign was impressive, averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds per 36 minutes on efficient scoring numbers while playing solid defense. He posted seven double-doubles last season, giving Heat fans a glimpse into what he may one day be capable of regularly.

Adebayo’s short term success will depend largely on what the Heat decide to do with Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside struggled toward the end of last season and in the playoffs, ending up on the bench for large stretches of games and publicly not being on the best of terms with Head Coach Erik Spoelstra.

If the Heat can move Whiteside’s two-year, $52 million contract, Adebayo would appear more than capable of stepping up in his role and giving the Heat a newfound athletic spark at the center position. Whether or not they do move Whiteside, expect Adebayo to have an impressive sophomore season, cementing himself as one of the NBA’s best young big men.

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