Can Bam Adebayo Be an All-NBA Player in Year 9?

It is no question that Bam Adebayo is one of the NBA’s best defensive players, if not the best. He can guard all positions one-five on the interior and exterior of the court and has done so in the biggest moments. This past season Bam Adebayo was snubbed, left off an NBA All-Defensive team for the first time this decade, but the question I dive into today. Is how does Bam Adebayo become an All-NBA player, not just making the All-Defensive team.

Bam Adebayo is a max player, and a worthy one. Many of his statistics won’t show up in the box score and he has helped carry an immense load for a Heat team that has numerous holes defensively. But for Bam to get recognition around the league, where does he need to improve, what does he need to prove, and what is he already doing that isn’t viewed as importantly as it should be.

Now why do I ask the question? Well, Jeff Teague had some strong things to say about Bam Adebayo

“Bam been sliding under the radar. We putting the pressure on Bam. He gotta figure it out. He’s gotta be at 24 and 10. The 18 and 9 that’s solid numbers for a 3 option… he should be a dominant All NBA player next year” Jeff Teague via the Club520 Podcast.

Jeff Teague’s comments about Bam needing to average “24 and 10” to be considered a dominant, All-NBA player, while perhaps a bit of an exaggeration, highlight this reality. When you look at the short list of players who have averaged at least 24 points and 10 rebounds while also making an All-Defensive team, a list that includes legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, you see the company Bam is being measured against. These are not just great players; they’re all-time greats who were their team’s offensive engine and defensive anchor (they also all won the MVP in years they did this).

Credit to David for pointing this out.

What Does Bam Do Already?

Bam Adebayo’s Ranks in Miami Heat Franchise History:

• 4th in points

• 2nd in rebounds

• 3rd in assists

• 4th in steals

• 5th in blocks

• 1st in double-doubles

• 3rd in triple-doubles

1. He’s the Defensive Anchor Every Team Wants

Via @Dru_Star on X

“Bam might not get the credit that he is due because we got guys that score a lot more points. And that’s what people like. That’s pretty. That’s cute. But the one consistent piece that has kept that shit together is Bam.” –

w/ @TaylorRooks

2. Rare Two-Way Versatility

Offensively, Bam is more dynamic than he’s ever been. This season he averaged 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, while shooting a career-best 35.7% from three. He’s not just a dunker or mid-range shooter anymore—he’s stretching the floor and creating for others, becoming a true modern big.

Bam ranks highly in every major category and would only get better with some pressure taken off.

At 28, Bam is in his prime—and his game is still evolving. He’s the rare big who can initiate offense, run dribble-handoffs, hit timely jumpers, and score efficiently inside. And he does it while still being your best defender on the other end. That’s superstar-level versatility.

What is the Standard?

Well, last season was a down year for Bam much in part to a slow start causing him to miss out on an All Star selection. Bam will have to be much improved to be All-NBA, but it is achievable.

Last year the three big men were

1. Nikola Jokic- 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 57.6% FG, 41.7% 3P, 80.0% FT, 66.3% TS, 17 triple-doubles.
2. Evan Mobley- 18.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 55.7% FG, 37.0% 3P, 72.5% FT, 60.4% eFG, DPOY
3. Karl Anthony Towns- 24.4 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 52.6% FG, 42% 3P, 82.9% FT, 58.4% eFG,

Bam- 18.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 48.5% FG, 35.7% 3P, 76.5% FT, 52.1% eFG,

Bam actually did receive one second place vote. 

So, Bam isn’t that far off, and definitely does not need to average 24/10 to be an All-NBA guy, but maybe the Heat just have to win more and Bam just has to be Bam.

In 2023, Bam’s best season he received just five votes, one second-team vote and four third-team votes. Adebayo was one of 10 players to receive votes without being named to an All-NBA team and still looks to add this to his already stout resume.

The Path to All-NBA

1. Become an Offensive Go-To Option. Especially in the Clutch

While he’s a skilled passer and efficient scorer, Bam needs to take on a larger offensive load. He’s already a fantastic in doing all the right things, but to get All-NBA recognition, he needs to expand his game as a primary scorer. This means a more consistent post-up game, a more reliable jumper, and the confidence to take over games offensively. The Heat need to trust him to be a featured scorer, not just a facilitator or third option. If Bam can unlock this level not only will the Heat get better, but the view of Bam across the league will improve. Consistency is key.

2. Change the Narrative

This is the hardest part. Bam’s value is often described in terms of “intangibles” and defensive impact, which don’t always translate into popular acclaim. He needs a breakout offensive season to force the conversation to be about more than just his defense. If he can consistently push his scoring into the low-to-mid 20s while maintaining his incredible defensive output, he would be impossible to ignore.

In the end, Bam Adebayo’s path to becoming an All-NBA player is about bridging the gap between his immense defensive value and the high-scoring expectations of the league. It’s a combination of personal growth, a change in how the Heat uses him, and a shift in how the league views a player who is a true superstar on both ends of the floor.

Bam had similar numbers to Evan Mobley, but the Cavs were worlds better than the Heat, in years prior Bam may have been snubbed, but this season Bam just needs to be consistent over 65+ games.

Final Thoughts

Bam’s defense has already cemented him as one of the defining big men of his generation. The numbers, the accolades, and the moments all back it up. But in a league obsessed with scoring, his path to All-NBA will come from pairing that defensive dominance with a clear jump in offensive production. A healthier, more balanced Heat roster can help him get there. With Norman Powell adding perimeter scoring/defense, growth from Kel’el Ware, and less burden on Bam to cover every defensive gap, he will have more energy and opportunity to assert himself as a go-to option on offense. If he can keep anchoring an elite defense while pushing his scoring into the low 20s, the votes will follow. The rest of the league may still be catching up to how rare his two-way impact is, but when they do, the All-NBA recognition will come because Bam Adebayo has been that player all along.