Bam Adebayo Named Finalist for Defensive Player of the Year
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo continues to earn league-wide respect, as he was officially named one of the three finalists for the 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. This marks the third consecutive season Adebayo has been a finalist, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most versatile and impactful defenders in the game.
Adebayo, 27, anchored a Heat defense that consistently ranked among the NBA’s top ten despite key injuries and roster fluctuations. His ability to guard all five positions, switch onto guards, and protect the rim makes him a rare defensive talent. This season, he averaged 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals per game while also leading the Heat in rebounds with 10.1 per contest.
“Defense has always been personal for me,” Adebayo said after the announcement. “I take pride in locking down the best guys and doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet.”
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra praised Adebayo’s defensive brilliance, calling him “the most complete defender in basketball.” Spoelstra also pointed out that Adebayo’s leadership on that end of the floor has been crucial in holding the team together during challenging stretches of the season.
The other two finalists—Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr.—offer stiff competition, but many analysts believe Adebayo’s consistency and versatility give him a strong case to finally take home the hardware.
Winning Defensive Player of the Year would be a historic achievement for Adebayo and a defining moment in his already impressive career. Even if he comes up short, the recognition only cements his status as a cornerstone of Miami’s present and future.
The winner will be announced during the NBA Awards Show later this summer.
