Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo is the heart and soul of the team’s defense.
His impact on defense is huge, establishing himself as an elite defender right from the start. His progression each year begs the question: Will Adebayo be voted Defender of the Year this season?
It’s safe to say he’s in the front line to win the honor. Adebayo has been named to the All-Defensive Team five times, but last season he earned First-Team All-Defense honors for the first time. That means he faces the challenge of competing with other greats like Rudy Gobert for the award. Gobert has won the award four times.
Gobert isn’t his only opponent. He’ll also have to face Marcus Smart, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Victor Wembanyama, who are among the league’s most popular defenders.
There’s nothing wrong with racking up second-team honors, but when it comes to the All-Defensive First Team, it’s gold. At 27, Adebayo is in his prime.
Adebayo finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season, playing in 71 games. He led the team in blocks 29 times. He is the third Heat player to earn first-team honors, joining Alonzo Mourning (twice) and LeBron James (three times). His five All-Defensive selections are the most in franchise history.
If he can stay healthy for many years, he will be considered one of the best defensive players of the decade.
Miguel Mike Medina is a Miami Heat On SI contributor. You can contact him at [email protected]
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