Bam Adebayo says voting for Defensive Player of the Year is ‘political’: I don’t want to beg for it

The Heat’s environment, known for its structure and accountability, has allowed Jaquez to learn from established stars like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, whose contrasting styles teach lessons on both ends of the floor. “[Tyler] Herro just takes so many eyes off us other guys,” Jaquez told RG.org. “The defense is always so occupied with him. He’s got such big gravity on the offensive end, and being able to grow as a playmaker and decision-maker — that’s really taken his game to the next level, for sure.” He added that Adebayo’s impact goes beyond statistics. “Just [Bam Adebayo’s] ability on the defensive end — he can switch one through five and be so disruptive,” Jaquez said. “He’s everywhere. And then offensively, he can really score the ball, make plays, and do everything. When you’ve got a guy like that on your team, it makes your life easier, for sure.” Responsible Gaming | Oct. 31, 2025

First a competitive loss in Orlando. Then a record-setting blowout victory in Memphis. And then Sunday at Kaseya Center, a 115-107 smackdown of the rival New York Knicks in the home opener. At 2-1 with the Charlotte Hornets up next at home on Tuesday night, the Heat continue to evolve with their running game even as they play in the absence of sidelined All-Star guard Tyler Herro. With Norman Powell pacing that starters and Jaime Jaquez Jr. juicing the bench, the Heat held off a late Knicks rally and withstood 37 points from Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Powell led the Heat with 29 points, with Heat center Bam Adebayo, on an uneven 5-of-15 shooting night, adding 19 points and 13 rebounds from the first unit. South Florida Sun-Sentinel | Oct. 26, 2025

Even having fallen out of the playing rotation after last season’s struggles, Terry Rozier remained popular with teammates. That, Heat captain Bam Adebayo said, also made Friday morning’s shootaround feel unusual. “You support him, through and through. That’s our brother at the end of the day,” Adebayo said. “It felt kind of weird in him not being here, actually, because he’s usually the first person I get to talk to in the morning, and he brings that great energy to our team.” South Florida Sun-Sentinel | Oct. 24, 2025