Injuries to Bam Adebayo and Dewayne Dedmon have turned Omer Yurtseven, the 23-year-old rookie, from someone who only played in garbage time to the Miami Heat’s starting center. And he’s helped Miami withstand this tough stretch to now stand with the third-best record in the East at 25-15.
Since his playing time increased, Yurtseven has proven to be a monster on the boards. He’s grabbed at least 12 boards in 11 straight games — including at least 16 rebounds in the last four. And last night in a statement win over the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns, the former Georgetown center even dished out eight assists.