NBA: 11 players poised for a breakout season in 2019-20

9. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

The Miami Heat had a better summer than expected, by completing a sign-and-trade for Jimmy Butler. During the summer, the Heat also set the table for Bam Adebayo to be in a position to have a breakout season in 2019-20 by trading Hassan Whiteside.

After splitting time as a starter and reserve last year, Bam is now primed to become the full-time starting center for the Heat this upcoming season. During his time as a starter this past season, Bam averaged 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists per game.

As more of a focal point next season – and with an improved skill set – Bam should easily be able to up those numbers to around 15/10/3.5. The sky is the limit for Bam, and this is a big season in terms of his development and future prospects.

Both he and Justise Winslow were the Heat’s bright spots last season and although I think the addition of Butler may limit Winslow’s growth and possibly limit his effectiveness, I think Bam will thrive with Jimmy and if he has the kind of breakout season a lot of us are expecting, the Heat could be in the thick of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference.