Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo: 'I Never Wanted to be Captain'

MIAMI, Fla. – Ahead of the 2023-24 season, the Miami Heat named Bam Adebayo as the new captain, taking over the title as Udonis Haslem retired, but a resurfaced interview showed that he never wanted it in the first place.

When speaking with the Makeshift Podcast during the offseason, the three-time All-Star spoke about the responsibility being placed on him.

“I never wanted to be captain,” Adebayo said. “I been telling [Haslem] that. I don’t want that. Wholeheartedly, I was like, ‘Nah, I’m good. Let me go worry about myself.’ When I come to the job, I want to worry about me, then I’ll say a couple of words.”

As fortunate as it sounds to be a star player and not have to take on leadership responsibilities, it’s unrealistic in professional sports. Whether things are going right or wrong, they will be the first to be pointed out. Adebayo cannot claim all of the glory without taking criticism, as it goes hand in hand. Even during Jimmy Butler’s six-year tenure, he was labeled as the heart and soul of the franchise.

“Every day, [Udonis] was just like, ‘you have to say something in the huddle, you have to start talking to [Erik Spoelstra],’” Adebayo added. “I was like, ‘bro, will you leave me the f*** alone.’”

The 29-year-old was going to have to take on a leadership role at some point. Adebayo might not be the best player on the roster, but he certainly holds a ton of weight and value in the locker room. Even though Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven to be a vocal leader, he is still new around the South Florida parts.

Adebayo has been with the Heat since the 2017 NBA Draft as the No. 14 pick. Despite coming out of a one-and-done season at Kentucky, primarily known as a versatile defender and lob threat, President Pat Riley and the rest of the front office took a chance on the former lottery prospect’s development. Adebayo has since grown offensively, but didn’t initially have to take on any leadership responsibilities.

Haslem’s captain status and Butler’s historic playoff performances allowed the six-time All-Defensive center to lurk in the shadows, to a certain degree.

Last season, without either older veteran on the roster, the Heat went 43-39 in the regular season and missed the playoffs. Currently, they’re winless (0-4) and one loss short of matching the worst start in franchise history since 2007.

Adebayo has never dealt with trade rumors or contract disputes. The Heat have done right by him, especially from a business perspective, and it’s time to see a return on the investment and loyalty. Adebayo’s offensive production to start the season has been underwhelming. In two of four games, he finished below double figures in scoring.

The Heat will face the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night and Adebayo has an opportunity to flip the early narratives. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on WPLG Local 10.

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