Bam Adebayo Poised for All-NBA Selection

Miami Heat star's elite defense, improved offense, and team success make him a prime candidate for All-NBA honors.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:07am

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Bam Adebayo has been a defensive anchor for the Miami Heat, leading an undermanned unit to a top-10 defense. While he has been snubbed for Defensive Player of the Year in the past, this season Adebayo has also taken a leap offensively, averaging 20 points per game. With the Heat exceeding preseason expectations, Adebayo's combination of elite defense, improved scoring, and team success has him primed to earn his first career All-NBA selection.

Why it matters

An All-NBA selection would be a major milestone for Adebayo, who has long been recognized for his defensive prowess but overlooked for individual accolades. Making an All-NBA team would cement his status as one of the league's premier two-way players and could boost his chances of winning Defensive Player of the Year in the future.

The details

Adebayo is putting up impressive numbers this season, ranking third among centers in scoring (20.0 ppg), sixth in rebounding (9.7 rpg), and seventh in assists (2.9 apg). He's also making the fourth-most 3-pointers per game among centers, showcasing his expanded offensive game. Defensively, Adebayo is tied for ninth in the NBA with 3.2 defensive win shares.

  • Adebayo is in his 9th NBA season, having been drafted by the Heat in 2017.
  • Since the All-Star break, the Heat have gone 9-4, with Adebayo leading the way.

The players

Bam Adebayo

A 25-year-old power forward/center for the Miami Heat, known for his elite defense and improved offensive game.

Nikola Jokić

The two-time NBA MVP and center for the Denver Nuggets, considered one of the league's best players.

Victor Wembanyama

A highly touted 19-year-old French prospect who is expected to be the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Bam has guided the Heat better than ever and must be considered for an accolade he has yet to receive, an All-NBA selection.”

— Austin Dobbins, Author

“Bam is now averaging 20 points per game, while boasting one of the NBA's best on/off splits with a +12.8.”

— Austin Dobbins, Author

What’s next

If the Miami Heat continue their strong play down the stretch, Bam Adebayo's case for an All-NBA selection will become increasingly difficult to ignore.

The takeaway

Bam Adebayo's elite defense, improved offensive production, and key role in the Heat's success this season have him poised to earn his first career All-NBA selection, a well-deserved recognition of his status as one of the league's premier two-way players.