Bam Adebayo, the 6’9″ force from Nigeria, is lighting up the NBA. Playing as the center for the Miami Heat, he’s capturing everyone’s attention with his dynamic skills. From a promising college player, Adebayo has skyrocketed to become an NBA All-Star, and his journey is nothing short of incredible. Get ready for the exciting story of how Adebayo is making his mark on the basketball world.
College career
- December 7, 2016: Adebayo showcased his skills with 16 points and 7 rebounds in an 87–67 victory against Valparaiso.
- February 21, 2017: Adebayo’s impressive performance of 22 points and 15 rebounds led Kentucky to a 72–62 victory over Missouri.
- March 12, 2017: Adebayo played a crucial role in Kentucky’s SEC Championship win, grabbing nine rebounds in an 82–65 victory against Arkansas.
- March 17, 2017: In the first round of the NCAA tournament, Adebayo contributed significantly with 18 rebounds in a 79–70 victory against Northern Kentucky.
- March 24, 2017: Adebayo’s 12 rebounds played a key role in Kentucky’s victory against UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen.
- March 26, 2017: Adebayo scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a hard-fought 75–73 loss against North Carolina in the Elite Eight.
- April 5, 2017: After the Elite Eight loss, Adebayo declared his entry into the 2017 NBA draft, signing with an agent 20 days later.
- 2016–17 Season Stats: In 38 games, Adebayo averaged 13.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, earning Second-team All-SEC honors and a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team.
Read also: Everything you need to know about Victor Wembanyama, the hottest NBA prospect
Professional Career
2017–2019: Early Years
- Drafted 14th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2017 NBA draft.
- Rookie season: Played 69 games, averaging 6.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
- Notable moment: Career-high 21 rebounds and 16 points against the Toronto Raptors.
2019–20: All-Star Selection and Playoff Impact
- Triple-Double Debut: Recorded first career triple-double on December 10, 2019.
- All-Star Recognition: Named to first NBA All-Star Game in 2020.
- Playoff Run: Played a crucial role in leading the Heat to the NBA Finals.
2020–2022: Contract Extension and Continued Excellence
- Contract Extension: Signed a five-year extension on November 28, 2020.
- Career High: Scored 41 points against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23, 2021.
- Defensive Recognition: Named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2019–20, 2020–21).
2022–23: Second All-Star Appearance and NBA Finals Return
- Stellar Performances: Achieved a season-high 38 points on November 25, 2022.
- All-Star Return: Named to second NBA All-Star Game in February 2023.
- Playoff Excellence: Recorded first playoff triple-double in the first round.
- NBA Finals: Led the Heat in scoring and rebounding, averaging 21.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
Family
Bam Adebayo was born in Newark, New Jersey, to a Nigerian Yoruba father and an African-American mother. His childhood nickname, “Bam Bam,” originated when, at the age of one, he playfully flipped over a coffee table while watching The Flintstones, reminiscent of the show’s character Bamm-Bamm Rubble. Moving to North Carolina with his mother at seven, Adebayo had limited interactions with his father, who passed away in Nigeria in 2020. Initially harbouring resentment toward his last name and Nigerian heritage, Adebayo began exploring his Nigerian background at 16 and has since embraced and celebrated his cultural heritage.
Read also: The incredible journey of basketball star Joel Embiid, the NBA’s reigning most valuable player
Networth
Bam Adebayo’s stint with one of the NBA’s wealthiest teams has proven to be a financial win. While he may not be among the league’s top earners just yet, his growing fortune shows promise. Since entering the NBA in 2017 with an initial salary of $3.5 million, Adebayo’s income has seen a substantial boost. After renewing his contract with the Miami Heat in 2021, he now earns $28.1 million, with a projected increase to $30.3 million in 2023. This upward trend is expected to continue, with an average rise of about $3 million annually until 2026.