Zach Lowe to Heat Fans: Stop Wishing for More from Bam — Appreciate the Star You Have
ESPN’s Zach Lowe is urging Miami Heat fans to shift their perspective on Bam Adebayo. During a recent segment, Lowe argued that the constant hope Bam will blossom into a 25-point-per-game offensive superstar is misplaced—and ultimately, unfair.
“Bam is already elite at what he does,” Lowe said. “He’s one of the best defenders in the league, a top-tier passer for a big, and the backbone of the Heat’s identity. At some point, the conversation has to move from what he isn’t to what he is.”
This sentiment echoes what many around the league quietly acknowledge: Bam’s versatility, defensive prowess, and consistency make him one of the NBA’s most valuable big men. He routinely guards all five positions, anchors Miami’s defense, and is a primary ball-handler in Erik Spoelstra’s offense—rare responsibilities for a center.
But Heat fans have long dreamed of Bam evolving into a scoring machine, especially with Jimmy Butler aging and the team in search of a new offensive centerpiece. That expectation has been heightened by Bam’s max contract and the emergence of other offensively explosive bigs like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić.
Still, Lowe cautions against the comparison. “He’s not Jokic. He’s not Embiid. He’s Bam—and that’s not a consolation prize. That’s a luxury.”
As Miami prepares for another critical offseason, decisions about Bam’s role, fit, and long-term trajectory will loom large. But Lowe’s message is clear: Heat Nation shouldn’t overlook the value of what they already have. Bam may not drop 30 a night, but he impacts winning in ways that go far beyond the box score.
Maybe it’s time to stop asking Bam to be something else—and start celebrating the player he already is.
