Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bam Adebayo

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Bam Adebayo made an impact.

Edrice Femi "Bam" Adebayo is a prominent American professional basketball player currently playing for the Miami Heat in the NBA. Drafted 14th overall in 2017 after a stint with the Kentucky Wildcats, Adebayo has become a cornerstone for the Heat. He is a three-time NBA All-Star and five-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the court. Adebayo played a key role in the Heat's NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023 and earned gold medals with the U.S. Olympic basketball teams in 2020 and 2024.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Heat's last NBA Finals appearance until Adebayo

In 2020, Bam Adebayo helped lead the Heat to their first NBA finals appearance since 2014.

November 17, 2015: Committed to the University of Kentucky

On November 17, 2015, Adebayo committed to the University of Kentucky, joining fellow freshmen Malik Monk, De'Aaron Fox, and Wenyen Gabriel.

2015: Named MVP at Under Armour Elite 24 game

In the summer of 2015, Adebayo competed at the NBPA Top 100 Camp and was named MVP at the 2015 Under Armour Elite 24 game.

January 2016: Participated in McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic

In January 2016, Adebayo played in the 2016 McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic.

December 7, 2016: Recorded 16 points against Valparaiso

On December 7, 2016, Adebayo recorded 16 points and 7 rebounds in an 87–67 win against Valparaiso.

2016: Played for Kentucky

During the 2016-17 season, Adebayo played 38 games for Kentucky, averaging 13.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, earning Second-team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman team honors.

2016: Rated a Five-Star Recruit

In 2016, Adebayo was rated a five-star recruit and considered one of the best high school prospects of the 2016 class.

February 21, 2017: Scored 22 Points Against Missouri

On February 21, 2017, Adebayo scored 22 points and 15 rebounds to defeat Missouri in a 72–62 Victory.

March 12, 2017: Won the SEC Championship

On March 12, 2017, Adebayo grabbed nine rebounds to help the Kentucky Wildcats defeat Arkansas 82–65 and win the SEC Championship.

June 22, 2017: Drafted by Miami Heat

On June 22, 2017, Adebayo was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Miami Heat.

2017: Drafted by Miami Heat

In 2017, Bam Adebayo was selected by the Miami Heat with the 14th overall pick in the NBA draft.

November 25, 2018: Career-High 21 Rebounds Against Raptors

On November 25, 2018, Adebayo had a career-high 21 rebounds and scored 16 points in a 125–115 loss against the Toronto Raptors.

December 10, 2019: First Career Triple-Double

On December 10, 2019, Adebayo recorded his first career triple-double with a career-high 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 135–121 overtime win against the Atlanta Hawks.

2019: Cut from the United States National Team

In 2019, Adebayo was cut from the United States national team for the World Cup.

November 28, 2020: Signed Contract Extension with the Heat

On November 28, 2020, Adebayo signed a five-year contract extension with the Miami Heat.

2020: Won Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Adebayo was named to the United States Olympic team and won a gold medal.

2020: Led Heat to NBA Finals Appearance

In 2020, Bam Adebayo helped lead the Heat to their first NBA finals appearance since 2014. The Heat lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in 6 games after Adebayo suffered an injury.

2020: NBA Finals and Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Bam Adebayo helped the Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals and also won a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team.

January 23, 2021: Scored Career-High 41 Points

On January 23, 2021, Adebayo scored a career-high 41 points and delivered nine assists in a 128–124 loss against the Brooklyn Nets.

May 21, 2022: Recorded 31 points in Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals

On May 21, 2022, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Adebayo recorded 31 points along with 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in a win over the Boston Celtics.

November 25, 2022: Season-High 38 points against the Washington Wizards

On November 25, 2022, Adebayo scored a season-high 38 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a 110–107 win over the Washington Wizards.

February 2, 2023: Named to Second NBA All-Star Game

On February 2, 2023, Adebayo was named to his second NBA All-Star Game.

November 6, 2023: Triple-Double Against Los Angeles Lakers

On November 6, 2023, Adebayo recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 108–107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

2023: Helped the Heat reach the NBA Finals

In 2023, Adebayo helped the Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals.

2023: Leading Scorer and Rebounder in the NBA Finals

In the 2023 NBA Finals, Adebayo led the Miami Heat in scoring and rebounding with 21.8 points and 12.4 rebounds, despite the team losing the series to the Denver Nuggets in 5 games.

January 15, 2024: Named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week

On January 15, 2024, Adebayo was named the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the games played from January 8 to 14.

April 24, 2024: Game 2 First Round Playoffs

On April 24, 2024, in Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Celtics, Adebayo had 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 111–101 win.

July 6, 2024: Signed Contract Extension

On July 6, 2024, Adebayo signed a contract extension with the Heat.

2024: Won a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team

In 2024, Bam Adebayo won a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team.

2024: Played for US National team at the 2024 Olympics

In 2024, after considering the Nigerian team, Adebayo was chosen, and committed to play, for the US National team at the 2024 Olympics, winning the gold medal against France.