“They don’t understand how much Bam does for our team on both ends of the basketball court”. Former Miami Heat star Udonis Haslem had recently stated this in defense of his former teammate. There is no denying that the ongoing season is not bringing out the best in Bam Adebayo, as everything from his points, rebounds, and shooting percentages has seen a drop. Despite this, the Center still had the confidence of an NBA legend. Therefore, it didn’t help that a few days after the statement was made, Adebayo reached his lowest point in one of the Miami Heat’s worst games this season.

Feel as if that isn’t demotivating enough for the Miami Heat squad? Well, then also add the complications from tensions between Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley. In light of this, the Center is attempting to come out as the voice of reason.

Bam Adebayo recently participated in a Q&A session. The same occurred before his team was scheduled to go up against the Sacramento Kings—the first game right after the 136-100 loss against the Utah Jazz.

One reporter touched base on the previous game’s aftermath to discuss its impact on the whole team. Without hesitation, Adebayo stated, “Yeah, I mean it’s been an emotional roller coaster for like the past….by that time, in the past 72 hours for everybody. So, it was good for us to get on the road where it’s just us, and we can really buy to rallying around each other.”

A break from the routine through road games is something that the Heat squad would certainly need. After all, tensions may be too high back home. The Miami Heat had been on the news for the last couple of weeks amid reports that Jimmy Butler may be traded to another team. Shams Charnia revealed that tensions started to emerge in the offseason “(when) there was no extension for Jimmy Butler. They bypassed that, did not extend him, and they have leaned more into their young core, (their) rising core of Bam Adebayo, their All-Star, and Tyler Herro.”

Heat president and NBA legend Pat Riley had initially dismissed any trade rumors. A few days later, during a presser, Jimmy Butler went on to state, “I want my joy back… I want to play with a dominant team.”

In light of this, and other instances, the Heat management decided to suspend Jimmy Butler for 7 games. In an official statement, they cited the reason as being “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks”. Therefore, the Heat squad went into the matchup against the Utah Jazz without their star player. This, in turn, created another set of issues for them.

Miami lost by a 36-point margin. That too against a team that occupies the 2 last seed on the Western Conference points chart. Therefore, it would have certainly left anyone ‘emotional’. Especially Bam Adebayo. After all, he ended his 26 minutes on the court by scoring just 4 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. On the shooting front, the 27-year-old made 0-6 (0%) field goals, 0-1 (0%) three-pointers, and 4-6 (66.7%) free throws.

As highlighted by Yardbarker, the matchup marked the first time since 2019 that Adebayo had not recorded a made shot in an NBA game. His three turnovers only made things worse. Therefore, at this point, any change can only be provided via a change that road games provide.

The ‘Magic City’ squad’s situation may improve. However, the upcoming few days could be the last ones for Jimmy Butler on the team. After all, the front office has decided to listen to offers as the veteran continues to be suspended. In light of this, Bam Adebayo has decided to lay out his priorities in only one direction.

Amidst Jimmy Butler trade speculation, Bam Adebayo is only focused on “who’s with us now”

In the aftermath of Jimmy Butler’s suspension, media members broached the subject with Bam Adebayo. After all, Butler himself did not choose to speak out immediately after the announcement of his suspension. For Adebayo, the veteran claiming that he would “probably not” enjoy playing for Miami again was a bit frustrating.

“I feel like he came to work, he tried to perform, and it just didn’t go his way,” said Adebayo after Saturday’s shoot-around practice. “I feel like he didn’t want to be in the corner.”

As for anyone who was afraid of the Heat’s chances without the small forward, he added, “But like I said, we develop a system where we play around everybody, and we just had to figure out how to incorporate him. But after what happened [on Friday], we’re focused on who’s with us now.”

If the recent Heat-Kings matchup was an indication, it is the squad can hold their own. However, whether the same can last for the long term remains to be seen.