Bam Adebayo reveals ultimate sign of respect despite lack of media attention

With all the success the Miami Heat have achieved during the Jimmy Butler era, recognition from the national media has been minimal. Whether the Heat are in the NBA Finals, the Eastern Conference finals or securing the first seed— they tend to fly under the radar. Instead, the team has embraced their underdog status over the years.

There are plenty of analysts and media voices that understand exactly what the Heat are capable of. But with the more mainstream national platforms like ESPN, it seems like the team needs to be in the midst of a playoff run until getting any deserved respect. The things that Miami has accomplished should be good enough to be viewed as a contender throughout the season, yet it is the same cycle each year. 

In all of the power rankings and conversations regarding the tiers of teams across the league, the Heat seem to always be undervalued. Even with all their postseason success they have rarely, if at all, ever been viewed as a favorite going into any playoff series. However, the Heat like it that way, and players aren’t phased… including the likes of Bam Adebayo.

The respect from peers around the league is always real when it comes to Miami. Opposing players and coaches always acknowledge how tough it is going up against them and show acknowledgment of the team’s culture. If the media is unable to provide this type of consideration, it is arguably better to see it from colleagues. 

Adebayo has built established friendships with opposing players, even Jayson Tatum from the rival Boston Celtics. These types of relationships have been able to form from his time on All-Star and Olympic teams. But the play on the court is when that respect is truly built. 

No matter how much stronger a team could look on paper, the Heat will never back down. Plenty of times during recent playoff runs they have sported less talent than the opposing team, yet still find a way to win. They’ve taken down teams like the Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers over the years. 

Unfortunately, the Heat have yet to get over that hump and secure an NBA championship with their current build of Butler, Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Injuries have played a major part in that, including last year especially when they were without two of their top players come playoff time due to season-ending injuries. The new 2024-25 season provides a fresh start with a new approach in terms of availability, and could be well positioned to have a redemption season.

If Miami can’t get the initial respect they deserve from the media, they will let their play do the talking and earn their spot amongst the best when it matters the most.