With the departure of Jimmy Butler earlier this year, an argument can be made for Bam Adebayo as the face of the Miami Heat. The 28-year-old has solidified himself as one of the best big men in the NBA, but he falls just short of being named a top 20 player.
In a recent player rankings list, ESPN Insiders placed Adebayo at No. 21.
“Bounced out of the first round for two straight seasons (including an embarrassing sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the spring), Miami is ready for a reset,” ESPN wrote. “Having turned the page from Jimmy Butler III, Miami looks to Adebayo to lead a retooled team and get the Heat's culture back on track.”
“With Norman Powell, Kasparas Jakucionis and Simone Fontecchio on board to help Tyler Herro on offense, Adebayo will seek to return to being the player he was the previous two seasons when he helped Miami reach the NBA Finals in 2023 and was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, All-Star and defensive first-teamer in 2024.”
Through his first seven seasons, Adebayo has spent most of his career as Butler’s running mate and Miami’s No. 2 option. Now, the keys belong to him and Tyler Herro. It was a disappointing campaign for the Heat last season, culminating in an even greater playoff exit. However, the onus does not completely fall on Adebayo.
Last season saw the 6-foot-9 Kentucky product demonstrate good strides, particularly in his willingness to shoot from the perimeter. Adebayo took 221 threes last season, up from 104 in his first seven seasons combined, and shot 44 percent from 3-point range over the final 36 games.
However, Adebayo’s game has limitations, especially being slightly undersized for his position. He’s a solid defender and a good facilitator, but it is unrealistic to have the offense running through him. Still, as ESPN mentions, Adebayo will seek to return to form.
Last season, Adebayo averaged 18.1 points, his lowest mark since the 2019-20 season. After averaging a career-high 22.6 points in the 2023-24 playoffs, he fell to 17.5 points in Miami’s sweeping exit to Cleveland.
Heading into year eight, it may seem like Adebayo has reached his ceiling. Still, it is important to recognize the prime years still ahead of him. If his increase in 3-point production illustrates anything, it is his willingness to continue evolving.
With a fresh start ahead and no lingering drama, Adebayo may perform well enough to enter the top 20 conversation.