Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo Sends Warning Message to Online Critics

MIAMI, Fla. – It's no secret that part of the Miami Heat's reason for being 0-4 to start the 2026-27 NBA season is because of Bam Adebayo's offensive struggles.

Other than a 20-point performance against the Charlotte Hornets, the three-time All-Star hasn't impacted the scoreboard. Adebayo averaged nine points on 39.3 percent shooting in the losses against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and Dallas Mavericks. However, he's not overthinking about the slump and sent out a message to online critics:

"For me, my shot's not going in," Adebayo said. "It's funny how the outside noise wants to make me the scapegoat. When the tables turn, when the energy shifts, be prepared for that."

It's normal for any player in the league, regardless of status, to experience an offensive slump. However, in Adebayo's case, the lack of offensive aggression has been a repeated occurrence. The 29-year-old came into the league as a lottery pick in 2017, known for being a lob threat and highly-touted defender.

Season by season, Adebayo's range and offensive skill set have improved. Last year, he shot 31.8 percent from behind the arc, averaging a career-high 5.5 attempts. However, there are stretches in a season when Adebayo is called out by teammates for needing to be more aggressive. It happened again on Monday night, following the Heat's 113-109 loss to the Mavericks.

"I have to do a better job of not letting [Adebayo] get lost in the game," Davion Mitchell said. "Also, he has to be intentional and more aggressive."

For someone who is deemed captain and well respected within the organization, these types of talking points should be long gone. Adebayo is officially a 10-year league veteran with experience reaching the NBA Finals twice. He played six seasons alongside All-Star Jimmy Butler, who's regarded as one of the top playoff performers this decade. Adebayo has seen up close what it takes to will a team to victory in the brightest and most hostile stages.

Even when playing different positions and roles, the impact can still be the same.

Adebayo has been treated right by the Heat; whether it's shutting down trade rumors or offering max extensions, it's been done without any hesitation. Meanwhile, Butler and Tyler Herro were dealt in separate deals. The Heat have made several attempts to pair another star with Adebayo and now that it has finally happened, it's gone completely sideways.

The offensive slump likely won't last forever, but these talking points about needing to be more aggressive need to end at some point. It defeats the purpose of being a captain when it's everyone else who's leading and making an impact.

Adebayo will have an opportunity to start proving doubters and critics wrong on Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Tipoff is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on WPLG Local 10.

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