Date of Birth: July 18, 1997
Position: Center
College: Kentucky
Measurements: 6’10”, 260
Strengths
Bam Adebayo is a ravenous offensive rebounder. He averaged 8 rebounds per game last season, 3.1 of which were on the offensive end. Adebayo is even a threat to grab an offensive rebound with a defender in front of him.
Bam Adebayo has great rebounding instincts for a 19 year old. He’s extremely athletic and a second chance machine if not boxed out. His NBA ready body will make him a threat to opposing defenses in his rookie season.
Weaknesses
Adebayo isn’t great with the basketball. He averaged less than a half an assist per turnover last season and doesn’t have the basketball IQ to find his teammates in pressure situations. Defenses win when they force him to make decisions.
Risks
The risk a team gets with drafting Adebayo is from the foul line. He shot 65 percent last season and led Kentucky attempting 236 foul shots. That’s 24 more foul shots than De’Aaron Fox, who had a 27.6 percent usage rate. Teams will look to foul him late in games.
Interesting Stat
Adebayo was one of two players this season with 110 offensive rebounds, 55 blocks, and 25 steals while shooting above 59 percent from the field. Oregon’s Jordan Bell was the second.
Comparison
C Dwight Howard
Bam Adebayo enters the NBA built to withstand the physical game. He’s a great defensive prospect with elite defensive potential. His athleticism allow him to block shots, move in transition and guard multiple positions. Adebayo also isn’t afraid to take the 15 foot jumper.
Draft Prediction
Between picks 12-17