When it comes to the best defenders in the NBA, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert and Giannis Antetokounmpo get mentioned often. Steve Kerr, however, believes Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo is in the same class as the rest.
“I think he's in that mix now,” Kerr told ClutchPoints. “I think the versatility that he brings is what separates the best defenders in the league. It's the versatility to guard multiple positions, multiple actions to roam and protect teammates. He does all that. He can guard one through five on switches. He is absolutely elite.”
Adebayo is in his fifth season with the Heat. This season, he's averaging 19.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists. The Warriors head coach had the opportunity to coach the Miami star during the Tokyo Olympics, and he said it was a pleasure.
“It was really fun coaching him in the Olympics,” Kerr told reporters. “He's just a great guy, a great teammate. The tandem of Draymond and Bam was really something to watch, being able to employ one and then the other. Not just defensively, they're pretty special in terms of their ability to push the ball in transition and kind of play a point center role. Very, very unique players.”
Wednesday, the shorthanded Warriors beat the Heat without Green, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Jordan Poole scored a game-high 30 points and had nine assists. The final score was 118-104, and the Dubs ended a three-game losing streak.
Friday, the Warriors continue their road trip. They head to Philips Arena to face Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. It will be their last meeting of the season.
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