Among the recent NBA Finals, perhaps the 2020 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat had the biggest what-if factor in the series. Given that the Heat, for the majority of the series, did not have a fit Bam Adebayo available, many fans wondered whether the result would have been different if the big man was at full health.
One of the most influential factors in the Finals was big man Anthony Davis. Although LeBron James ended up with the NBA Finals trophy, Davis’ was the extra threat in the team that opened up the avenue for the Lakers. If Adebayo was fully fit, he could have been influential in guarding Davis.
2 years later, the careers of both Adebayo and AD have changed drastically. While Bam has continued to solidify his name as one of the top defensive talents in the game, his offensive output has been on a constant rise, making him a top talent in the league.
Davis’ reputation, meanwhile, is at an all-time low right now. Constantly enduring niggling injuries, the forward averaged a career-low number last season, putting his reputation at an all-time low. Recently, a post on social media went viral where fans were asked who they would pick, Bam or AD.
Going into next season, pick one. pic.twitter.com/ZQH593S6fh
— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 16, 2022
Understandably, there were some interesting reactions to the same.
… and Anthony Davis being the most underrated player continues
— Mikey Flores (@mikey__flores) August 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/JokicOG/status/1559570243529359361
Don’t disrespect AD like that
— Ubaid Magray 🇵🇸 (@ubaidmagray7) August 16, 2022
Adisney
— Honest KD Fan (@TrolledbyJoe) August 16, 2022
Both mid
— ⁵¹ (@kidfrmstevenage) August 16, 2022
Bam
— JayB (@CavemanWillDo) August 16, 2022
AD is clearly the better player if he stays healthy. Not even close.
— Vik (@Viktomize) August 16, 2022
Bam. AD ain’t playing more than 30 games.
— SPLASH (@SplashDubs30) August 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/Yaurislluberes/status/1559570233601449984
AD give me Robert Williams over Bam
— ☘️ (@xMax2x) August 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/GodlLotus/status/1559570176256839680https://twitter.com/_Talkin_NBA/status/1559570116622389257https://twitter.com/Lamar2Bateman/status/1559570100931411973
Bam
— clo (@atlcl0) August 16, 2022
While Adebayo might be on his way up, Davis is still one of the best forwards in the league when healthy. The last two seasons might have suggested otherwise, but after his first season, many claimed that AD was the next in line for LeBron’s throne in the Lakers.
A capable defender who can guard 1 through 5, AD’s game is much more polished than Adebayo and on his day, Davis has the caliber to become an MVP candidate.
Given how disappointing the last two seasons have been, many expect Davis to make a massive comeback in the upcoming season. If the superstar forward is at full fitness, there is no doubt that AD will once again be considered a top talent in the NBA.
