Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra isn’t happy that Bam Adebayo didn’t receive a single vote in the annual NBA general managers survey for best defensive player in the league.
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was voted the best defensive player in the NBA by general managers. Here are the results:
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 40%
2. Jrue Holiday, Boston – 13%
T-3. Draymond Green, Golden State – 10%
T-3. Marcus Smart, Memphis – 10%
T-4. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis – 7%
T-4. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers – 7%
Adebayo averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks for the Heat last season. The two-time All-Star shot 54.0% from the field and 80.6% from the free-throw line. He’s one of the best two-way players in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Erik Spoelstra, Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat Updates
Adebayo has made four All-Defensive teams with the Heat, who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals in five games. Look for Adebayo to play with an extra chip on his shoulder this season since general managers disrespected him.
It was a tough offseason for the Heat, who didn’t acquire Damian Lillard or Holiday. Lillard was traded to the Bucks, while Holiday landed with the Boston Celtics.
The Portland Trail Blazers wanted Jimmy Butler or Adebayo from the Heat for Lillard, according to NBA insiders Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic. Miami, as expected, said no.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Erik Spoelstra, Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat Updates
“The Blazers and Heat had multiple conversations in July, but the sides never engaged in substantive negotiations, according to those sources,” Charania and Amick wrote. “In an initial call, the Blazers asked the Heat for Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo.”
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