2017 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Who is Bam Adebayo?
Draft Sites say
Mike Schmitz & Josh Riddell, DraftExpress
"The development of Adebayo’s skill-level will be a significant factor in his ability to carve out an important role in the NBA. At Kentucky, he wasn’t all that effective offensively outside the paint, with his 65% free throw percentage and poor jump shooting numbers indicating he has a ways to go to develop his shooting range. He had a tendency to play outside of himself at times this year, settling for tough shots or trying to create from the high post, which can lead to some ugly possessions. His shooting mechanics aren’t bad, so the right team could unlock some offensive potential by helping him expand his game away from the rim, but he will need to make some strides in his skill set to reach that point."
Brandon Jefferson, NBADraft.net
"Phenomenal physique for a 19-year-old (6’10”, 250 lbs) … Elite athlete for a player of his build … At his best in the open court … Can turn the burners on and beat opposing bigs down the floor easily … Active on both ends of the floor … Finds himself often within the vicinity of the ball on every play … Willing to battle on the interior … Great as the roll man in the pick-and-roll … Dives hard to the rim … Effective setting screens … Really lets the guard come to him instead of attacking the defender he’s supposed to screen … Plays above the rim … Will finish any lob thrown within his catch radius … Keeps possessions alive offensively on the glass … Scores well at the rim … Finishes through contact … A lot to handle in the post for defenses … Seals off his man well in the post … Keeps his defender on his back on the low block … Has a nice compact form for a big man … Comfortable shooting between 10-16 feet with the possibility to extend his range further out … Versatile defender … Can hold his own when switched onto guards … Has the lateral agility and quick feet to keep smaller players in front of him … Has the beef to stonewall opponents in the post … Strength shows when defending down low one-on-one … Excellent rim-protector … Times his jumps well on blocks … Doesn’t swipe or swat at the ball, but meets it at the top of it’s trajectory … Confident enough to jump with any player attacking the basket … Defends fairly well without fouling … Enjoys the limelight. Confident and outgoing personality …"
Chris Reichert, The Step Back
"Transition and the pick-and-roll are Bam’s two strongest areas at this point in his development, but Kentucky mainly used him in the post, so we have yet to see a large sample of what he can do in the pick-and-roll. Still, the possessions we do have access to show an ability to find open space and finish around or over contact in the paint. The next transition for Adebayo is adding a 15-to-18 foot jump shot to his arsenal. Even if this doesn’t become a strong suit for him, the threat of hitting a jump shot as a pick-and-pop 5 opens additional opportunities for everyone on the court."