Adebayo Has To Carry This Team Again

By the Heat Nightly Desk · Tuesday, September 15

Bam Adebayo turns 29 this season with Giannis Antetokounmpo now sharing the frontcourt, but the defensive assignments and the offensive organizing still run through him. Last season he averaged 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists a game, and the efficiency numbers behind those totals say there is more in the tank.

Bam Adebayo of the Heat — Bam Adebayo. Photo: Gatorfan252525, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Job

Adebayo enters year nine as Miami's starting center, still the player Erik Spoelstra builds the defense around. Giannis Antetokounmpo's arrival changes who draws the toughest cover on offense, but the Heat still need Adebayo protecting the rim, setting seals and organizing possessions from the elbow. That job has not changed since the Jimmy Butler trade, even as the names around him have.

The Production

Adebayo played 73 games last season at 32.4 minutes, putting up 10.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 20.1 points a night, with 0.7 blocks and 1.2 steals. He shot 44.2 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from three on 5.5 attempts, and 77.8 percent at the line, with 1.6 turnovers a game.

The Efficiency

The advanced numbers back it up: a 55.1 true shooting mark on 24.8 percent usage, a 117.1 offensive rating against a 111.0 defensive rating, and a net rating of plus-6.1. His rebound rate sat at 14.6 percent, his assist rate at 14.2 percent. That efficiency helped an offense that ranked 12th in the league last season, even as the defense finished 13th. Adebayo produces without needing constant touches, which matters more now that Antetokounmpo needs the ball too.

The Money

Adebayo is owed $49.8 million this season and $53.8 million next season, with a $57.8 million player option for 2028-29. That deal makes him the second-highest-paid player on the roster behind Antetokounmpo, and Miami is paying him to be a foundation, not a complement.

The Verdict

Adebayo is dealing with a back injury, carries a day-to-day tag, and is targeting October 1 to be clear for camp. He does not need a leap in scoring. He needs to stay available, keep the defense organized, and prove he and Antetokounmpo can share the interior without either one shrinking.

Is Bam Adebayo still the Heat's starting center?

Yes, Adebayo enters his ninth season as Miami's starting center, now sharing the frontcourt with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Is Bam Adebayo injured?

Adebayo is dealing with a back injury, carries a day-to-day tag, and is targeting October 1 to be ready for camp.