Bam Adebayo's 30-Point Performance: A Fiery Response to Critics

If you listen to the media, you probably think that Bam Adebayo is having the worst season of his Miami Heat career. From a box score standpoint, you could certainly make that argument. However, he’s been a key piece in the Heat’s new-look offense, and continues to be one of the more versatile front-court defenders in the NBA. When speaking to the media on Saturday, Jan. 17, following the Heat’s 122-120 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Adebayo clapped back at those who have criticized his production this season. “I don’t care about what anybody says about me offensively,” Adebao said. “They’re gonna move the goal posts for me every night. I don’t shoot enough, I’m not being aggressive, shooting too much, it’s the wrong shot diet. So my teammates, my coaching staff, they know what I’m capable of. Obviously, every shot that I take, I work on all the time, and Spo [Spoelstra] knows that. Spo sees it.” Adebayo continued. “So it’s not a shocker that I shoot certain shots, or people are looking at my shot charts, and I’m shooting too many threes…I ain’t gonna say that’s every night that I’m gonna shoot 10, but you play the right way, and then you’re open…So I have enough confidence in myself to shoot that motherf*****.”” The veteran big man chose the right night to speak out. Adebayo ended the game against Oklahoma with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal, shooting 40.9% from the field and 60% from deep. Adebayo Was Previously Labeled As Overpaid According to an anonymous NBA scout, who was speaking with the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, Adebayo is overpaid on his current contract. “He’s not really a max player anymore,” the scout said. “It’s amazing what’s happened with him. The new offensive system hasn’t done him any justice. His offense has regressed. He’s not getting as many assists [2.6 to 4.3 last season]. He’s better in a pick-and-roll-oriented system than what they’re running now.” Adebayo, 28, is set to begin a three-year $161.3 million contract next season, where he will earn between $49.8, $53.7 and $57.7 million throughout each year of the deal. Jeff Teague Spoke On Adebayo’s Struggles For Heat During a recent episode of Jeff Teague’s “Club 520” podcast, the former NBA guard shared his opinion on Adebayo’s game, explaining why he shouldn’t be considered as a star player. “Bam don’t really be killing,” Teague said. “He’s just a good player, he’s not a star, he’s a good complimentary piece. He’s still a quality player, fringe All Star. I think if they get Ja Morant some new blood in there that can run P&Rs with him I think he’ll step up. I just don’t think he’s playing with a pure PG right now.” Clearly, Adebayo has heard all the noise and criticism this season. Waiting to speak on that noise until after arguably his best game of the current campaign was smart. It forces everyone to listen, and you have the numbers to fall back on and prove your point. Still, Adebayo must find a way to sustain the level we saw from him against Oklahoma. Consistency in his role will be the only thing that truly quietens the noise surrounding him. Especially in the coming weeks as we inch closer to the Feb. 5 trade deadline.