For some players, the thrill of scoring is everything. To some, defending the rim is ecstasy. Bam Adebayo falls under the second category as the Heat star has made a name for himself being a defensive stalwart. “That’s my goal to keep improving this thing to where we will be the top defense,” these words reflect Adebayo’s mindset. For a guy like him who’s always accommodating, and striving to greater heights, some recognition is due. But is that enough? To big man Bam, that is not good enough, and he made sure he let it know to whom it may concern.

According to Adebayo, he deserves more credit for anchoring the elite Heat defense with a bunch of undrafted talents. Had he been acknowledged for that, he’d have been a DPOY. Consequently, Adebayo would’ve received almost $100 million more on his current $166 million contract. This demand of the 26-year-old All-Star is met with one-word support from Stephen A. Smith. The ever-opinionated analyst wrote, “FACTS!!!” on his X account, quoting a post that highlighted Bam’s frustrations over lack of respect.

With Kawhi Leonard out of contention for the USAB, Bam Adebayo is now the undisputed building block for the frontcourt foundation. That speaks volumes about his ability, but that wouldn’t recoup his potential monetary losses. Taking a shot at the reporters who have the voting rights for the end-of-season awards, Bam said, “That’s one thing that irks me, it’s not my fault I’m versatile. I’ve been top five in DPOY voting the last five years, there’s been guys y’all (media) been giving it to over me.”

Adebayo’s fiery rant came after the USAB’s practice on Sunday as he sat down for an interview in the Bellagio Hotel, in Las Vegas. The 26-year-old has been selected in 5 consecutive All-defensive teams since 2020, with the first team selection this year. His discontent on missing out on the award every year despite being the leader of one of the league’s sturdiest outfits is understandable, but he is making sure it doesn’t affect the mood around the USAB camp.

After Steve Kerr’s ominous update over proceedings, the team scored a win against Canada. And ahead of two exhibition games in UAE, Bam Adebayo and Co. flew out to the Middle East on Thursday. However, before taking off, Adebayo revealed the vibe in the camp.

Bam Adebayo discusses mood in the USAB camp

Dream Team 2.0, that’s what the current USAB men’s team looks like. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, there are stars all around. Even Jayson Tatum had to take a step back with the overwhelming aura on the team. Adebayo was no different from feeling this energy as he explained what changed this time. “It’s a little different. It’s one of those things where you have so much talent, man. You gotta somehow figure out how to be a chameleon and kinda mix in and, and find your niche,” the Heat star told Yahoo Sports on Tuesday.

“We’re all the No.1, No.2 options on our team. So just being able to really go out here and just make the main thing, the main thing–which is winning. You figure out little things you can do that contribute to that. … It’s on us to play the right way, do the little things, and compete at the highest level,” Adebayo further added.

The Heat forward’s words could not be any closer from the reality. Game time will be a concern for all of them, given the stacked roster. But the ultimate goal of the team is to win the Gold Medal. Adebayo would certainly relish winning it over the ones who beat him to the DPOY award last season.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this video