NBA: 10 players that exceeded expectations in 2019-20

NBA Miami Heat Bam Adebayo (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
NBA Miami Heat Bam Adebayo (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Entering the 2019-20 NBA season, many assumed that the Miami Heat would make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Although, much of that belief had to do with the impact that Jimmy Butler would have on the team. Some of it was Goran Dragic and a tiny smidge had to be the expected development of Bam Adebayo finally getting the full-time starting center job.

However, I’m not sure many expected Bam to have such an impact on the team. In just his first year as the full-time starting center, Bam was averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists per game on 57 percent shooting from the field.

Bam is able to initiate the offense, is effective when he’s attacking the basket, and showed from time-to-time he could hit the occasional jumper. His defensive versatility is what made him even more dangerous for the Heat.

Once Bam is able to hit the consistent jumper and potentially extend it to the 3-point line, he’s going to be unstoppable. Miami added their star in Jimmy Butler during the offseason, but they now have two with their homegrown one.