Apr 5, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes the ball under the arm of Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during overtime at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Bam Adebayo Ready to Lead Heat into New Chapter

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Austin Dobbins | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 2:00 PM ET

Bam Adebayo walked into Miami Heat media day with the same quiet intensity that has defined his career, but this year his words carried a deeper sense of purpose. Entering his eighth NBA season, Adebayo made it clear he’s embracing not only his role as a cornerstone for the Heat, but also the responsibility that comes with leadership and growth.

On his own growth, Adebayo was straightforward about the standard he’s setting offensively: “Being consistent. The last two months was like a high for me considering the beginning of the year was very shaky. Trying to ride that wave, stay consistent, trying to be someone they can rely on all year.” For a player who has already built his reputation on defense and versatility, his push for steady production highlights the next step in his evolution.

Bam on his offense: “the last two months of the season were a high for me, after a rough start. I just want to be consistent.” pic.twitter.com/Lw9XcJU9Hj
— Five Reasons Sports ⚾️⚽️ (@5ReasonsSports) September 29, 2025

That progression is something head coach Erik Spoelstra has noticed, too. “Everybody will always point to his scoring average. He’ll be able to score,” Spoelstra said. “I’m excited to see his next step of development, that’ll be in leadership, mentorship.”Bam is the captain, and he is in control of the Miami Heat's future development.

It’s a challenge Adebayo has already begun to take seriously. He’s been vocal in guiding rookie Kel’el Ware, admitting, “I’m hard on Kel’el, he probably thinks I’m crazy sometimes. Some of it I was grandfathered into because of my experience with UD. If he doesn’t get it, it’s one of those things where the next day he’s right back at it.”

Adebayo’s growth has also been shaped by moments beyond the NBA. Just last week, he presented his girlfriend, and WNBA star A’ja Wilson with her MVP trophy, a moment he described as “special for a special person.” Wilson’s greatness, he said, has directly pushed him to sharpen his own game: “Somebody gotta guard that … Being able to watch somebody that great and ask questions after the game … that’s the biggest way she’s helped me. Giving me honest answers.”

Bam Adebayo on what he’s learned about basketball from A’ja Wilson pic.twitter.com/4HHaO3xKZd
— Five Reasons Sports ⚾️⚽️ (@5ReasonsSports) September 29, 2025

Whether it’s leading in the locker room, learning from greatness, or steadying his own play, Bam Adebayo is stepping into the season as both student and teacher -- exactly the kind of foundation the Heat need for their next run.

For More from Miami Heat Media Day

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This article first appeared on Miami Heat on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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