Nov 8, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) battle for position on the court in the second half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Bam Adebayo Compares Nikola Jokic to Five-Time NBA Champion

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Matt Guzman | Last updated May 22, 2025 2:45 PM ET

SAN ANTONIO — Modern-day NBA big men have been shifting toward a positionless style of play for several years as the league changes its style, but for the few traditionalists left, there remain plenty of blueprints to follow.

For Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, his list of role models is simple.

“Tim Duncan," he began when asked by Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson . "Kevin Garnett, Lamar Odom … and the wild card for me was always Chris Bosh."

"If I ruled the world, I wouldn’t change it."

Miami Heat big man, Bam Adebayo talks Heat Culture, his big man influences, playoff takes and why Chris Bosh’s sacrifice still sticks with him.

A thoughtful convo full of insight and loyalty.

Check out my latest with @Bam1of1 ➡️… pic.twitter.com/8ZM6xTV57K
— Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) May 19, 2025

Adebayo has spent the last eight seasons with the Heat, including the run to the NBA Finals with Jimmy Butler III during the league's postseason bubble. Before Thursday, the center had earned a spot on the NBA's All-Defensive teams five different times.

The 2024-25 Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team:

▪️ Dyson Daniels of @ATLHawks
▪️ Luguentz Dort of @okcthunder
▪️ Draymond Green of @warriors
▪️ Evan Mobley of @cavs
▪️ Amen Thompson of @HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/5PVe0iHPAn
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 22, 2025

When asked to make a comparison for Duncan, Adebayo, was quick to speak.

“I would say Nikola Jokić just from a fundamental aspect," he said, "(or) an older Kevin Durant."

The latter comparison stemmed from the fact that Durant "gets to his spots" at will, which was a big reason Duncan found the success he did. As for the former, even Jokić cited Duncan as a role model.

"Back in Serbia, I didn't follow the NBA that much," Jokić said during the 2023 postseason, "but when I came here, it was Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge, Boris Diaw (and) Dirk Nowitzki. Players like that."

Duncan and Jokić both have several accolades that intertwine their careers. And if Duncan is any blueprint for Jokić moving forward, he could be atop the NBA for several more seasons.

This article first appeared on San Antonio Spurs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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