The Miami Heat have one of the best defensive players in the game.
Whether you take a look at the regular or advanced numbers or just abide by the eye test, there’s no way to deny that Bam Adebayo is an elite defender.
Then again, even though he’s been a perennial candidate to be named Defensive Player of the Year, he has yet to win it.
When asked about that, Adebayo took a shot at the media and narrative-based voters.
“It’s getting stops. I’m not into advanced stats. Who can guard their yard 1-5? Whatever coverage your coach puts you in, you can excel. That, to me, is the DPOY, but the media has different opinions—they look at steals and blocks.”
– Bam Adebayo on the DPOY
(Via @jeremytache… pic.twitter.com/hG264X4l5A
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 16, 2024
Adebayo stated that it was all about getting stops.
He thinks that a DPOY needs to excel in any coverage his coach puts him in.
The media, on the other hand, looks at advanced stats such as steals and blocks.
Adebayo has a valid point right there.
With all due respect to Rudy Gobert, it wasn’t until last season that he was able to consistently hold his ground on the perimeter, which is something that Adebayo has done since he became a starter years ago.
Victor Wembanyama was also a more impactful defender than anybody else in the league, but his team’s numbers stood in the way of his chances.
It seems like voters are only focused on some metrics to determine the winner of this award, and they’re not rewarding the guys who constantly make an impact on the defensive end of the floor.
Otherwise, Adebayo would’ve won this award at least once in his career.
NEXT:
Tyler Herro Has Honest Admission About Facing Victor Wembanyama
