Heat Notes: Adebayo, Roster Construction, Giannis, Mitchell
By Rory Maher | at October 30, 2026 8:49 pm
Bam Adebayo broke out of his mini-slump on Wednesday and helped the Heat record their first win of the season in the process, writes Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. The six-time All-Defensive center also became the franchise’s all-time leading rebounder during the game in Atlanta, passing former teammate and mentor Udonis Haslem.
Adebayo, the 14th overall pick in the 2017 draft, reflected on his journey in the NBA:
“I always say this, but to be No. 1 in something in a league where you’ve got so many guys that have come through this franchise and tried to leave their mark, For me to be No. 1, that’s obviously special.”
Miami opened the season with a disappointing 0-4 record but is now 1-4 after Adebayo’s impressive two-way performance, which included 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a game-high plus-22 in 33 minutes.
Erik Spoelstra praised Adebayo’s leadership and all-around game:
“He was our inspiring player of the game, He came out really assertive. It’s not just about the points, but he was leading us with his will... He was sensational defensively, quarterbacking all of our coverages... It felt like he was in two places at once, and finishing plays with strong rebounds.”
Recent History and Championship Chances
Here’s more on the Heat, who are currently playing Indiana in their NBA Cup opener:
- Recent history suggests the Heat are unlikely to win a championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Adebayo as their two best players, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.