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. A product of the Kentucky Wildcats college basketball program, Adebayo was drafted 14th overall in 2017. He has since become a three-time NBA All-Star and a five-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, demonstrating his prowess on both ends of the court. Adebayo played a crucial role in the Heat's NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. Furthermore, he has achieved international success, securing gold medals with the U.S. Olympic basketball teams in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Mention of NBA Finals Appearance

The Miami Heat hadn't appeared in the NBA Finals since 2014, until Bam helped lead them to one in 2020.

November 17, 2015: Committed to the University of Kentucky

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

2015: MVP at Under Armour Elite 24 game

In 2015, Bam Adebayo was named MVP at the Under Armour Elite 24 game during the summer after his junior season at Northside High School.

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

In January 2016, Bam 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, Bam Adebayo recorded 16 points and 7 rebounds in an 87–67 win against Valparaiso while playing for Kentucky.

2016: Played for Kentucky

In the 2016-17 season, Bam Adebayo played for Kentucky. Across 38 games he averaged 13.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game and was named Second-team All-SEC and to the SEC All-Freshman team.

February 21, 2017: Scored 22 Points against Missouri

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

March 12, 2017: SEC Championship Win

On March 12, 2017, Bam 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, Bam Adebayo was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Miami Heat.

2017: Drafted into the NBA

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

November 25, 2018: Career-High Rebounds

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

December 10, 2019: First Career Triple-Double

On December 10, 2019, Bam 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: Runner-up for Most Improved Player

At the end of the 2019–20 season, Bam Adebayo finished as runner-up in voting for the Most Improved Player Award.

November 28, 2020: Contract Extension with the Heat

On November 28, 2020, Bam Adebayo signed a five-year, $163 million contract extension with the Miami Heat.

2020: Playoff Career High and NBA Finals Appearance

In 2020 NBA Playoffs, Bam Adebayo scored a playoff career high 32 points, grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Adebayo also helped lead the Heat to their first finals appearance since 2014. After Adebayo suffered an injury in game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals, the Heat went on to lose to the Los Angeles Lakers in 6 games.

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: Career-High Points

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

May 21, 2022: Game 3 Performance

On May 21, 2022, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Bam Adebayo recorded 31 points on 15-of-22 shooting from the field along with 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in a 109–103 win over the Boston Celtics.

November 25, 2022: Season-High Points

On November 25, 2022, Bam 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, Bam Adebayo was named to his second NBA All-Star Game.

November 6, 2023: Triple-Double Performance

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

2023: NBA Finals Appearance

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

2023: NBA Finals Loss to Denver Nuggets

In 2023, Bam Adebayo helped the Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Denver Nuggets in 5 games, after tying the series 1-1. Adebayo finished the series leading the Heat in scoring and rebounding with 21.8 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

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

On January 15, 2024, Bam Adebayo was named the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the games played from January 8 to 14, his second career NBA Player of the Week award. He led the Heat to a 3–1 week with averages of 23.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.0 block.

April 24, 2024: Game 2 Playoff Performance Against Celtics

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

July 6, 2024: Signed Contract Extension with Heat

On July 6, 2024, Bam Adebayo signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Miami Heat.

2024: Olympic Gold Medal

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

February 1, 2025: Game-winning Buzzer Beater

On February 1, 2025, Bam Adebayo had 30 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, three blocks and hit a 19-foot game-winning buzzer beater against the San Antonio Spurs.