With an impressive performance on both the offensive and defensive end, Bam Adebayo has been crucial for the Heat. But is there more to his performance that can be unlocked with changes in playing positions? Notably, Rasheed Wallace is of the opinion that Miami Heat President Pat Riley could further his organization’s championship aspirations by getting a different Center for the team. But what does this mean for Adebayo’s position?

Wallace believes that along with possessing post moves and the ability to shoot, Bam Adebayo has a defensive presence and mindset as well. And although Wallace considers Adebayo a good interior scorer for the Heat, he thinks the 3x All-Star could flourish as a power forward, if the Heat can “get a natural 5”.

The newly acquired Indiana Hoosiers’ center, Kel’el Ware, could be one future option. The 20-year-old has already scored three double-doubles in his five NBA Summer League games. His most recent performance included 24 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.      

However, if Adebayo plays as a power forward, there could likely be spacing concerns for the Heat. But Wallace suggested that a player who is not necessarily the best three point shooter, but can knock down more shots from the corners, could solve this concern. “And you got your least effective jump-shot shooter in that dunker spot… Cause that’s what Denver did… You’re gonna copy what the champs do,” he added.

Notably, the 27-year-old has already played with Heat as a power forward but that was just his third season in the league. Yet it became a turning point for him, as he averaged his first double digits in a season and became the second most improved player in the league that season. However, since then he has played as a center for the team.         

Bam Adebayo shining as a power forward ahead of 2024 Olympics

The 27-year-old delivered an impressive performance against Serbia, sealing a 105-79 win for Team USA. He played as well as a power forward with the second unit and scored 17 points in 19 minutes. This included his 6 of 9 shooting from the field, and 3 of 5 three-point shooting. Apart from this, Adebayo also managed 8 rebounds and 3 assists.

Impressed by the Heat star’s performance, Team USA coach Steve Kerr praised the combination of Bam and Anthony Davis. It is worth mentioning Kerr is being assisted for Team USA by Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. And as per the reports, Miami has also been looking for ways to maximize Bam’s potential.

An NBA scout also believes one way of doing this is Adebayo’s transition from center to power forward. “And then you can move him to the four. I don’t think he needs to be chucking up threes. If you’re going to move him to the four, the biggest thing is making plays from the elbow,” the scout said, on the condition of anonymity, as per an SI article.   

Stay tuned for more such updates. And to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.