Bam Adebayo's historic 83-point game should change much of his perception across the league, and it should certainly raise his status in Miami Heat history. Now, it's Dwyane Wade and then Bam Adebayo.
When rattling off the Heat's best players in franchise history, it usually would take a while before landing on Bam. However, that should absolutely change after scoring 83 points in one game.
That's not just because of the unreal performance from Tuesday night, but it's the idea that this performance should help illuminate just how special a player Bam is - and has been. These are the types of performances that cement a player's legacy.
Bam Adebay is one of the best players in franchise history
That's exactly what will transpire after Bam's historic night. Or at least it should.
Generally speaking, a player's greatness is not fully appreciated until they retire. However, it's time that Bam gets his due flowers for just how unique a player he truly is. Often being overlooked as an afterthought in Miami, that can't be the case any longer.
Bam is not just an elite defensive player. He's not just a defensive anchor. He's not just a good second or third option. He's one of the best players in the league, and arguably the best two-way player going right now.
In fact, I'd be willing to throw his name in the hat for one of the best two-way big men in NBA history. And his 83-point night all but confirmed that.
Bam is more than just an elite defender
Even though Bam is most known for his amazing versatility on the defensive end of the floor, a bad or mediocre offensive player can't score 83 points in one night. That just doesn't happen in the NBA.
There are some that are going to blame the Washington Wizards or point out that he had 40-plus free-throw attempts on his way to 83 points, but no other center in the league, including Nikola Jokic, has been able to do what Bam did on Tuesday night.
That's not to say that Bam is the best offensive center in the league, but he does deserve his credit.
The honest truth is that Bam is one of the best players in Heat history. In terms of tenure, production, and leadership, he's right behind Wade.
Bam reaching 10,000 points threshold opened the conversation for that. His 83-point night closed it.