Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo is gearing up to contribute to Team USA’s quest for a second consecutive gold medal in the Paris Olympics. However, questions linger about his playing time and role on the team.
What Impact Will Bam Adebayo Have in the Paris Olympics?
Adebayo Seeks to Make It Two Golds in a Row
Miami Heat’s two-time USA Olympic center, Bam Adebayo, recently signed a three-year extension with the Heat. Now, his focus shifts to Team USA’s preparations in Las Vegas for the upcoming Olympic games in Paris. Adebayo was part of the team that won gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). As he heads to Paris for the 2024 Olympics, Bam aims to replicate that success and return to Miami with another gold medal.
Team USA’s Center Rotation
Adebayo’s impact on the roster in Paris remains uncertain, as he is expected to be behind Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis in the center rotation. Despite Adebayo’s stellar 2023-24 season and First All-Defensive Team selection, the competition is stiff. He will likely find himself third on the depth chart.
Team USA head coach Steve Kerr faces the challenge of managing a team packed with superstars and future Hall of Famers, with only five starting slots available. For the center position, Adebayo will come off the bench, an unfamiliar role for him.
2020 in Tokyo
Adebayo has been Miami Heat’s premier center since entering the NBA. During the 2020 Olympics, he was the top center, with JaVale McGee as the only other center on the team. In Tokyo, Bam averaged 6.3 points and 5.7 rebounds, playing 19 minutes per game.
2024 in Paris
Adebayo’s minutes will likely decrease significantly with Embiid and Davis on this year’s team, impacting his offensive production unless injuries occur. However, Adebayo’s role as a reserve can still be valuable. His relationship with USA assistant coach and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra could be advantageous. Spoelstra, familiar with Adebayo’s strengths, can provide insights to Coach Kerr on maximizing Bam’s effectiveness when he’s on the floor.
Bam Using Olympic Practices to Improve His Game
Reports indicate that Adebayo has been working on his three-point shooting during Team USA practices in Vegas. Traditionally, long-distance shooting has not been part of his skill set, though he increased his attempts towards the end of last season. Whether he integrates three-point shooting into the Olympics or focuses on enhancing this skill for the 2024-25 NBA season remains to be seen.
The Paris Olympics present an opportunity for Adebayo to elevate his status as an NBA center. If Team USA succeeds, Bam will return home with another gold medal draped around his neck.
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