Bam Adebayo has long been one of the NBA’s best defenders, no matter how you slice the pie. The nine-year veteran has finished top-5 in Defensive Player of the Year voting five times, including a top-3 finish in 2023-24.
Adebayo, 28, has always been incredibly versatile in scheme. Despite being an undersized center, Adebayo’s one of the few players who can legitimately defend 1 thru 5 on a nightly basis — as well as play drop effectively, hard hedge or even blitz (and recover) on the perimeter. There’s nothing he can’t do defensively, even though that doesn’t always catch the eye of the casual viewer.
While I wouldn’t characterize last year as a “bad” defensive season from Adebayo, it did not meet the standard we were all accustomed to seeing. However, he’s back to anchoring one of the league’s best defensive units, albeit through two weeks.
And he’s doing what he does best: Switch and contain opposing ballhandlers on the perimeter at an elite level, no matter who it is.
You can teach foot speed, but Adebayo’s innate ability to react, flip his hips, maintain foot speed, stay disciplined and defend without fouling will never get old. Never. No matter how old it ends up being, it will always bring a smile to all of our faces.
Monday night’s stop against James Harden with under 1:20 left — which Duncan shared above — was a perfect example of why he’s paid the big bucks. Oh, and he’s a near 20-point, nine-rebound, four-assist monster (outside of last season), perennially, who’s tasked to do everything. That matters, too.
Through seven games, Adebayo’s averaging 22.4 points on 46.2 percent shooting and 35.6 percent from 3-point range, to go along with 9.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Sure, his efficiency could be a smidge better, but you almost couldn’t have scripted a more impactful start from the three-time All-Star, especially on the defensive end.
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Is it just me? Or would other people on HHH trade anyone not named Bam for Ja Morant?
I’m with you on that one. Ja may be a change of scenery candidate or he may be one of those who burns their own bridges at each stop. If he is that type, he is too early in that process to.know yet. So, I take that risk as his talent is immense and he brings tremendous excitement.
Trouble is, probably twenty five other teams are thinking how nice he would look in their unis. For example, a lot of talk is out there about Giannis, and we are sometimes associated with that discussion. But, I was in conversation with a Knick fan today who assured me he wants to go to NY. You have to be lucky to catch a whale.
Thanks Bout30 & Manilla.
I’ve been calling this Heat team 3-day old leftovers. They’re winning and that’s great and sometimes you turn an old steak into nachos and it’s delicious. But I just can’t get excited about this season.
You give me Norm Powell and Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell? I’m still rooting for the Heat. But I’ll just catch clips here and there until the spring. But you put Ja Morant and Bam together in Heat uni’s? I’m putting games on my calendar and watching them start to finish to see if they’re building pick & roll chemistry
not just you of course hehe. its hard to find a Bam Adebayo type of player. even if he doesnt score much you can rely on the defense. elite defense.
I wouldn’t.
Strictly basketball speaking, I can hardly imagine a player, which fits less into the new scheme of Miami heat ball.
Tbh I don’t know why ja doesn’t like a fast pace up tempo game, I always that that was his bread n butter has the speed and athleticism for that style of play. Also believe if there was any place for him to get his mind right and not be on the bs he likes it’s Mia. Proven FO and coaching staff but that’s just my opinion
Neither do I.
I thought it would be a good idea until I gave it some serious thought.
He is injury prone. He’s never played more than 67 games in a season and that was during his rookie year (2019-2020).
He is a career 31.2% 3pt shooter. This year he is shooting at a 13.9% clip.
His best year was 2021-2022 when he averaged 27.4 ppg. Since then his scoring has dropped each year. He’s currently averaging 20.4 ppg.
His defense has been criticized for lapses in defensive effort, struggles with screens and inconsistent transition defense.
He is a high maintenance player with baggage. He is currently critical of the Memphis coach and management. Miami just went through that headache with the “quitter.”
Hopefully, Riley has learned his lesson. The team needs players with good work ethic, attitudes and track records. It doesn’t need highly paid temperamental players in need of a babysitter.