Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat took on Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. The Heat won 132-124 with Adebayo’s 26 points, three rejections, and six rebounds.
Brady Hawk, a writer for the Heat, inquired of Bam following the game as to whether the players who record the most thefts and blocks receive the most defensive credit. Although Bam concurred, he claimed that many of these individuals lack a comprehensive understanding of the game.
To Bam’s point, the box score provides a reasonable notion of what transpired, but it is not a comprehensive depiction of a game. In his tenure, Bam has averaged 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. However, thefts and blocks do not reveal a player’s full defensive impact. Where is the category for drawn charges?
Spoelstra acknowledged in April 2017 that Adebayo’s defense had flown under the media’s radar. He has been arguably the finest defender in the league for several years. He is not necessarily recognized for this because he is not posting impressive shot-blocking numbers or whatever other metrics they consider.
Bam’s “stat-watching” remarks follow the 2023-24 NBA General Managers’ Survey, in which Adebayo received no votes for best interior defender. Once more, the Miami Heat coach defended his players. “That one is simply incredible to me. Bam is, in my opinion, the greatest defensive player in the league, and I cannot comprehend why he is not recognized for his impact on defense. Spoelstra declared.
Adebayo has never been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, despite being a two-time All-Star. Bam finished fifth in voting for defensive player of the year during the previous season. Miami has reached two NBA Finals and three Eastern Conference Finals in the last four years. Whether or not the media acknowledges it, Bam Adebayo’s defensive influence has been crucial to the recent success of the Miami Heat.
