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Miami Heat: What will Bam Adebayo’s role be this season

By Jack Simone

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 14: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts after being called for a foul against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of a preseason game at American Airlines Arena on December 14, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 14: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts after being called for a foul against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of a preseason game at American Airlines Arena on December 14, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat defends a shot by Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

What role did Bam Adebayo play for the Miami Heat last season

Last year, Bam Adebayo was the defensive anchor of the Miami Heat. He finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and some believe he was snubbed from being top-three.

Adebayo is one of the best paint protectors in the league, and can even step out on the perimeter and guard smaller players. He is one of only a few players who can effectively guard 1-5.

Other players around the league who can do this include Ben Simmons and Draymond Green. That’s about it, putting Adebayo in a very elite defensive club.

The Miami Heat finished as a top-ten defense in the league, and Adebayo was a huge part of that. Having him in the paint makes life easier for everyone else on defense.

That was his primary role – to protect the paint at all times – but he also played a fairly large role on offense. He was the team’s second-leading scorer and passer last year.

He was one of the primary facilitators on the team last year, while also acting as a force in the paint offensively. Despite this, some want more from him.

There has been a large outcry for Adebayo to take more shots this season, with the likes of Chris Bosh even commenting on the matter. The biggest question is, will Adebayo be able to handle it?

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