Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo does not want to forget his humble beginnings after signing a max contract extension worth up to $195 million on Tuesday.
Adebayo tweeted out a picture of his childhood trailer home, suggesting the experiences he had as a youth helped form a steely resolve and determination. These qualities have resulted in Bam becoming one of the best bigs in the NBA.
Acre Station…76 Church Lane… My Imperfect/Perfect Home! The Green Trailer That Made Me Who I Am. The Sleepless Nights, The Nights I Slept Great, Through The Pain And Struggle. As Well As Through All The Great Times We Had. THANK YOU 💙#BounceBack #WeNotDoneYet pic.twitter.com/f8qLi4yAls
— 13am Adebayo💥 (@Bam1of1) November 25, 2020
The story resonated with a number of NBA personnel, including Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal.
True blessing bro!!! OUT THE MUD!!🙏🏽💪🏽 https://t.co/hJk6bChDq9
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) November 25, 2020
Needless to say, Adebayo has earned everything he is getting.
The former Kentucky star showed the makings of something special in his first two seasons with the Heat, though he still had to fight for minutes. But Adebayo flourished after head coach Erik Spoelstra made him the starting center this past season.
Bam averaged 15.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. He was one of the most indispensable playmakers in basketball, and also earned All-Defensive Second Team after averaging 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals.
The advanced numbers also speak volumes about Adebayo's value. He ranked 13th in value over replacement player (VORP) and win shares, including fifth in defensive win shares. Adebayo is a foundational piece, and now he is being paid as such.
There had been some speculation as to whether Bam might wait a year to sign an extension so as to preserve Miami's maximum cap space next summer. However, the Heat would have been remiss not to reward Adebayo for having a season as good as any in the league last year.
It seems like this is only the beginning for Adebayo, who will always remember the journey that led him to this point.
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