Bam Adebayo gets honest about NBA's Defensive Player of the Year voting

When it comes to being the best defender in the NBA, Bam Adebayo checks off all the boxes. His growth has gotten to the point where there is nothing that he can’t do on that end of the floor. In an era where two-way versatility is coveted more than ever, Adebayo oozes that type of talent on a nightly basis.

There isn’t a position that the 6-foot-9, 7-foot-1 wingspan defensive stallworth cannot guard. Adebayo can switch and defend positions 1-5 at an elite level and poses as one of, if not the only player that could do so across the league. His height and build make him physically equipped to be a threat at any spot on that end of the floor. 

Not to mention that his offensive game is also now taking that next big step with the growth in his 3-point shot. Adebayo shot a career-high 35% from deep a season ago, and continued that success during the Olympics at 36%. He even has the green light from coach Erik Spoelstra, who has told the media he expects more volume in that department from his All-Star big man. 

With all this two-way talent, it has been clear that Adebayo’s been snubbed for that Defensive Player of the Year award. And it seems like he is aware of that notion:

Last season, Rudy Gobert earned his fourth DPOY honor, becoming the third player in history to do so. However, the redundancy in giving a one-dimensional defender is bound to bring voters fatigue very soon. Gobert is one of the best rim protectors of all-time with his incredibly big 7-foot presence and 7-foot-9 wingspan. But the versatility isn’t there, and was exposed come playoff time last season.

Adebayo is a great rim protector himself, but his ability to switch onto any perimeter player and lock them up with ease is what separates him from the pack. He has more recently begun to classify himself as a power forward and expressed an interest in playing that position. Udonis Haslem has also doubled down on that notion, and for good reason. 

Having Adebayo slide to a more natural fit for his size and length at power forward would open up his entire game. Voters would be able to see a bit more of that versatility on a nightly basis with him being out on the perimeter defending more regularly. The center position is a role that he can play at an All-Star level, which has been proven. For him to play more free and natural in the four slot, the sky would be the limit for what Adebayo’s stock could truly look like. 

The Miami Heat’s franchise cornerstone just turned 27 years old, entering his prime and coming off a career year. Could this be the season where Adebayo gets over that hump and finally gets the defensive recognition he deserves?