In the last season, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo proved to be a defensive ace for the Heat and executed the role of defensive anchor for the team. Despite having a great defensive season, Adebayo did not receive the Defensive Player of the Year honors. The award eventually went to Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert.
Many believed that Bam Adebayo was robbed of the award, including Caron Butler, the assistant coach of the Heat. Butler couldn’t believe that Adebayo didn’t win the Defensive Player of the Year. In an interview with SiriusXM NBA radio, Butler shared his thoughts about Adebayo not winning the award.
When you talk about versatility, when you talk about two-way defender, I mean it’s a crime that [Bam Adebayo] hasn’t won Defensive Player of the Year.
Caron Butler said
Butler felt it was unfair that Adebayo still wasn’t recognized as the top defensive player. He expressed his disappointment in the lack of recognition for Adebayo’s defensive skills.
“You have to get your electrolytes…if you’re going against Bam 🤣”
Miami assistant coach, @RealTuffJuice, on the Heat center’s rare skillset #HeatCulture
@RickKamlaSports | @ADaniels33 pic.twitter.com/UukqUvttc8— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 10, 2024
Adebayo actively improved his game since joining the NBA, emerging as one of the most dominant big men in the league. He has been a regular member of the All-NBA Defensive Team since 2020, and in the last season, he earned a spot on the All-NBA Defensive First Team for the first time in his career. Adebayo posted impressive stats in the last season, averaging 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game.
Adebayo certainly has the potential to become a franchise cornerstone for the Heat. With the Jimmy Butler reaching up in age, Adebayo would potentially take the leadership role of the team. The Heat big man is expected to be a force to reckon with in the upcoming seasons.
Michael Beasley feels Bam Adebayo’s full potential is yet to be unlocked
Former Miami Heat star Michael Beasley appeared recently as a guest on the ‘OGs Show.’ On the podcast, host Mike Miller asked Beasley which player managed to beat him in a one-on-one game. Beasley’s response left many surprised as he named Bam Adebayo.
That’s the only n** who beat me. Bam (Adebayo). Y’all don’t know how good Bam is. Bam a point guard stuck in that big a** body… Bro if Bam takes eight more shots a game bro he’d be all over 30 a game. Easy 30 on 50% shooting
Michael Beasley via The OGs Show
Beasley believes that Adebayo’s offensive potential has not been fully realized yet. In the last season fans also saw Adebayo showcase his ball handling skills which is a rare sight in a center.
During the Olympics, fans saw Adebayo shooting threes at a great efficiency. It also led to LeBron James calling him the new Splash Brother next to Stephen Curry. If Adebayo can fully unleash his offensive potential, he could emerge as a frontrunner in the MVP race.
