Bam Adebayo is being urged to elevate his game by Kendrick Perkins. The Miami Heat big man has a new star teammate in Giannis Antetokounmpo.
What happened?
Kendrick Perkins, former NBA player and ESPN analyst, wants Bam Adebayo to increase his offensive production.
Why it matters for Bam Adebayo
The Heat organization has stated that Bam Adebayo is untouchable, and Perkins believes it's time for him to take his game to the next level.
Bam Adebayo has shown steady growth, posting 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 73 games in the 2025-26 season.
What comes next?
The addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo gives the Miami Heat a strong foundation, but they still need to strengthen their supporting cast through free agency.
The Antetokounmpo-Adebayo duo can do wonders, with Antetokounmpo averaging 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists across 13 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Bam Adebayo has become the heartbeat of the Heat through his defense, leadership, and versatility.
He can protect the rim, switch onto guards, create offense for teammates, and still produce 20-plus points on any given night.
Kendrick Perkins feels Bam Adebayo needs to do more, and become a consistent 25-PPG scorer.
The Heat's president, Pat Riley, has reinforced that Bam Adebayo remains untouchable, signing him to a three-year maximum veteran extension in 2024 worth $160.3 Million.
This move shows the confidence the Heat have in Bam Adebayo, and he will be expected to deliver with Giannis Antetokounmpo by his side.
The Miami Heat made an aggressive move for Antetokounmpo, and it's now up to Bam Adebayo to step up his game.
Bam Adebayo has not consistently carried an offense through a playoff series like the league's elite scorers.
But with Giannis Antetokounmpo on board, the Miami Heat are looking to make a deep playoff run.
The foundation is already in place, and it's now up to Bam Adebayo to take his game to the next level.
Bam Adebayo's growth will be crucial in determining the Miami Heat's success in the upcoming season.
The Heat still need to strengthen their supporting cast, but with Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, they have a strong core.
The Miami Heat are looking to make a statement in the upcoming season, and it starts with Bam Adebayo elevating his game.