The Miami Heat enter a new chapter next season, as All-Star center Bam Adebayo becomes one of the go-to guys for the first time in his career. He has played alongside Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler, who once held that role within the franchise. Adebayo bears another responsibility as the captain of the team, bestowed upon him by three-time champion Udonis Haslem
This past season was his first time in that leadership role, but it didn’t come easily, especially after the Butler saga unfolded. It took a massive toll on the team, mentally and chemistry-wise. However, it’s a new clean slate for Adebayo next year, but are the responsibilities too much?
The five-time All-Defensive center doesn’t have the reputation of a strong vocal leader. Haslem certainly was throughout his 20-year career, and most recently, Kevin Love was as well. Both are no longer in the locker room, so Adebayo has to be the voice that the entire team pays attention to the most.
The three-time All-Star has carried a ton of tasks when on the court, such as being the anchor of the defense, developing as a consistent scorer, but a captain has to worry about everybody else. When a teammate is in a slump, it’s his job to pick them up, or when someone is late on an assignment, he has to hold them accountable.
Adebayo needs to be a stronger and more vocal leader for next season if the Heat wants to have a steady season, at the very least. Currently, there are many flaws with the roster, but he still must keep everyone locked in and stay competitive. Otherwise, things will get ugly in Miami quickly.
The 28-year-old is now the longest-tenured player on the Heat. It’s certainly the beginning of a new era.
