Bam Adebayo, four-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, is aiming to solidify his reputation by clinching the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award. During a conversation on Playmaker HQ, Adebayo voiced his aspiration for recognition on the defensive end of the court.
The 26-year-old center highlighted the prevalent focus on scoring statistics, overshadowing the critical defensive contributions players make to the team’s success.
“Everybody always looks at the last column, which is how many points did he score in the game? And people forget that other side of the court exists because of the entertainment business,” Adebayo said, via Kurt Helin of NBC Sports.
“So for me it’s just that will, that passion, that mentality. It’s just what I’ve been through and one of those niches I know I have. I want to get Defensive Player of the Year just so I can have the award.”
Last season Adebayo averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in 34.6 minutes for the Heat.
