2-Time MVP Praises Bam Adebayo as One of NBA's Top Players

Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo continues to earn league-wide recognition after historic 83-point game.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:06am

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Following his 83-point performance against the Washington Wizards, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo continues to earn praise around the league. Most recently, 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo called Adebayo one of the best two-way players and top big men in the NBA.

Why it matters

Adebayo's breakout season and growing reputation as an elite player is significant for the Miami Heat, who are looking to make another deep playoff run after recent first-round exits. The 28-year-old's emergence as a dominant two-way force could be the key to the Heat returning to the NBA Finals.

The details

Adebayo, who was drafted 14th overall in 2017, has developed into a defensive specialist and key contributor for the Heat. This season, he is averaging 20.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, serving as the team's third-leading scorer and top rebounder. The Heat currently hold the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 38-29 record, riding a seven-game winning streak.

  • On Thursday, March 14, 2026, Adebayo totaled 21 points and 8 rebounds in the Heat's 112-105 win over the Bucks.
  • Earlier this week, Adebayo set an NBA record by scoring 83 points in a single game against the Wizards.

The players

Bam Adebayo

A 28-year-old power forward/center for the Miami Heat, Adebayo is a 3-time All-Star and 5-time All-Defensive selection who has emerged as one of the league's premier two-way big men.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The 2-time NBA MVP and Milwaukee Bucks superstar, who praised Adebayo as one of the best players and top big men in the NBA.

Norman Powell

The 32-year-old Heat guard who earned his first career All-Star selection this season.

Tyler Herro

The Heat's young guard who has missed the majority of this season due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, whenever I play against Bam, it's always an act of motivation. I think he's one of the best players in the NBA, one of the best two-way players in the NBA, one of the best four, five men in the league. I don't have to see any big points on the board.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

What’s next

The Heat will look to continue their winning streak and solidify their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference over the remaining stretch of the regular season.

The takeaway

Bam Adebayo's emergence as an elite two-way player has been a driving force behind the Heat's recent success, and his continued development could be the key to the team making another deep playoff run after recent early postseason exits.