Bam Adebayo had some things to get off his chest regarding the Defensive Player of the Year award that’s been elusive to him. The Miami Heat big man has been one of the most reliable defenders in the league and has been considered a candidate for the award, although he’s yet to win it.
Recently, Adebayo claimed that he was the rightful winner of the award the last two seasons, stating that he was the best defender in the league. Unfortunately for Bam, Rudy Gobert won it two seasons ago, adding his 3rd DPOY to his resume. This past campaign, Marcus Smart became one of only a few guards that took home the prize after an excellent season with the Boston Celtics.
Clearly, Bam isn’t impressed by that and said that he deserved to win the prize the last two seasons. Moreover, he promised that he would get it next season to prove that he’s the best defensive player in the association.
“I should have won it the last two years and I will win it this year,” Adebayo said in a Miami Heat youth clinic, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
The DPOY has flirted with many players in recent years. Besides Gobert and Smart, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ben Simmons, Jrue Holiday, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and more players have shown that they are incredible defenders that can aspire to win this award in the future.
Adebayo will try to sneak in and make it clear that he’s the best on the less glamorous side of the ball. The Heat still have big aspirations, especially with Bam on the roster. The Floridians know that having Bam is very important and won’t miss a chance to compete for the championship while the young center is around.
