Bam Adebayo Defends 'Heat Culture' Amid Ongoing Criticism
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All-Star Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo has backed up "Heat Culture," the team's seemingly unique approach to roster-building and training, from its lingering critics.
Following a trying 2024-25 season that saw six-time All-Star Miami swingman Jimmy Butler force his way out of town — and the team tumble out of contention — the notion of "Heat Culture" currently finds itself somewhat in flux.
More Miami Heat News: Heat Star Bam Adebayo Loses Out on All-Defensive Team Honor For First Time in Years
During a new interview with longtime NBA insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, Adebayo revealed that he, for one, is an ardent supporter of the concept — even now.
"If I ruled the world, I wouldn't change it."
Miami Heat big man, Bam Adebayo talks Heat Culture, his big man influences, playoff takes and why Chris Bosh's sacrifice still sticks with him.
A thoughtful convo full of insight and loyalty.
🔗Check out my latest with @Bam1of1 ➡️… pic.twitter.com/8ZM6xTV57K — 👑 Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson (@ScoopB) May 19, 2025
"If I ruled the world, I wouldn't change it," Bam said, when asked if he would handle Miami's approach to its team-building any differently. "The thing is, it's like if you're not in it, you wouldn't understand."
Heat team president Pat Riley, who has been in charge of the organization since 1995, and longtime head coach Erik Spoelstra, who has been on the team's coaching staff since 1997 and its head coach since 2008, have instilled their own particular brand of basketball on generations of star players.
More Miami Heat News: Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra Was Brutally Honest With Steve Kerr on Jimmy Butler
Since the 2005-06 season, the Heat have appeared in seven NBA Finals, winning three. They traditionally employ a swarming, defense-first identity, are obsessed with fitness, and were one of the early proponents of small-ball basketball.
"That's the thing about 'Heat Culture,'" Adebayo claimed. "If you aren't a part of it, then you don't know what it's like to be inside of the locker room or around the Heat organization."
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 26: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Kaseya...
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 26: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 26, 2025 in Miami, Florida. More
Photo by"Heat Culture" has been called out by a variety of critics over the years.
During a fall 2024 episode of his eponymous "The Bill Simmons Podcast," The Ringer's Bill Simmons took stock of the club's recent failings.
Bill Simmons asks if Heat Culture 'died' after striking out on Damian Lillard🤔
Mentions miss on Rozier trade, Jovic/Ware not panning out
'McCain was the most Miami pick. They whiffed on this pick. Im just not looking under my bed anymore for the Heat.'pic.twitter.com/f82o0fICRq — Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) November 22, 2024
"They had a terrible year [in 2023-24]," Simmons said. "[Pat] Riley got mad at [Jimmy] Butler. The [Terry] Rozier trade turned out to be kind of blah ... Bam's [Adebayo] gone backward."
Rozier, acquired in a midseason 2023-24 trade with the Charlotte Hornets, fell out of favor with Spoelstra quickly in 2024-25 after an uninspiring playoff showing the previous spring.
"I assume that's going to turn around [Adebayo's play] but I'm just pointing out he doesn't look like a top 15 player in the league," Simmons said. "Nikola Jovic, who they were all excited about, blah."
A four-time All-Defensive Teamer and a three-time All-Star, Adebayo had a bit of a down season individually in 2024-25. After being pivoted to a power forward role next to rookie Kel'el Ware, Adebayo averaged a still-good 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks a night for the 37-45 Heat.
Miami became the first No. 10 seed to survive the play-in tournament and capture a playoff spot this spring, but the team had its clock roundly cleaned by the No. 1-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in a four-game sweep.
When asked by Robinson about the Heat's team-building intentions during the offseason, Adebayo was a company man, keeping word mum.
"I feel like that's more in-house... between the organization obviously with Pat [Riley], [owner] Mickey [Arison], and everybody else who's involved," Adebayo said.
In another conversation with Robinson, the 6-foot-9 Kentucky product reflected on why he was omitted from this year's 10 All-Defensive Team honorees, a list he had made every year since 2020.
"Uhh... Politics, you know? You can't really help it," Adebayo said. "Some dudes have power over the media and some dudes don't. But in my case, we can't really voice for it if we're in the 10th spot. Now if we're in the 3rd spot or 4th spot? You could say something."
More Miami Heat News:
Dwyane Wade Offers Blunt Reaction to Jimmy Butler's Playoff Run
Former Heat Star Calls Out Jimmy Butler After Warriors Playoff Exit
Heat President Pat Riley Unapologetic on Jimmy Butler, Promises More Changes
Heat Star Tyler Herro Takes Massive Shot at Darius Garland Over Playoff Comments
For more Miami Heat and general NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.
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