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

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Heat's Last Finals Appearance Since 2014

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

November 17, 2015: Commitment to the University of Kentucky

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

June 22, 2017: Drafted by the Miami Heat

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

2017: Adebayo Drafted by Miami Heat

In 2017, Bam Adebayo was selected by the Miami Heat with the 14th overall pick in the NBA draft after playing college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats.

2019: Cut from the United States national team

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

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: Named to the Olympic team and won a gold medal

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

2020: NBA Finals Appearance and All-Defensive Team Selection

In 2020, Bam Adebayo helped lead the Heat to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2014 but ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Adebayo was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and finished fifth in voting for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

2020: NBA Finals and Olympic Gold Medal

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

2023: NBA Finals with the Heat

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

July 6, 2024: Contract Extension with the Heat

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

2024: Committed to play for the US National team at the Olympics and won a gold medal.

In 2024, Adebayo, after considering playing for the Nigerian team, committed to play for the US National team at the Olympics. Team USA would go on to win the gold medal in a rematch against France.