Bam Adebayo: The Case for a Higher Ranking

 

The news that Bam Adebayo is rated as an 88 overall in the upcoming NBA 2K game, placing him around 30th in the league, has sparked a vigorous debate among basketball fans and analysts. For many, this rating feels like a profound underestimation of his true value and impact on the court. While an 88 is a respectable rating, it falls short of what many believe Adebayo deserves, given his unique two-way skill set and his crucial role as the heart and soul of the Miami Heat’s success.

Adebayo’s true value isn’t always reflected in traditional box score stats. He is a player who consistently makes the “winning plays,” the kind that don’t always show up on the highlight reels but are essential to team success. His defensive versatility is arguably his most elite and impactful attribute. Adebayo is one of the very few players in the NBA who can credibly guard all five positions. He can switch onto shifty point guards and stay in front of them on the perimeter, something almost no other center can do at his level. He can also battle with the league’s most dominant big men in the post, and his quick hands and exceptional footwork allow him to contest shots without fouling. He is a five-time NBA All-Defensive team honoree, including a First-Team selection in 2024, a testament to his consistent defensive excellence.

The advanced metrics, while sometimes imperfect in capturing his full impact, often highlight his defensive prowess. He is consistently ranked among the top defenders in the league by various metrics, and his ability to anchor a defense is a cornerstone of the Miami Heat’s identity. The Heat’s defensive scheme is predicated on his versatility, and without him, their system would not function at a high level. His ability to cover for his teammates’ mistakes and his quickness in recovering on a closeout or a backdoor cut is what makes the Heat’s “positionless” defense so effective.

On the offensive end, Adebayo’s impact is more subtle but no less significant. While he may not be a 25-points-per-game scorer, his offensive game is built on efficiency, high-level passing, and a developing three-point shot. He’s a masterful high-post playmaker, able to initiate the offense from the elbows and make pinpoint passes to cutting teammates. The “DHO” (Dribble Hand-Off) action with shooters like Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro is a staple of the Heat’s offense, and it’s something Adebayo executes with precision. His ability to put the ball on the floor and attack mismatches is a constant threat, and his finishing around the rim is solid.

However, a major point of criticism has been his offensive output in crucial moments, particularly in the playoffs. While he has had moments of brilliance, the expectation is for him to take the next step and become a more consistent and aggressive scorer. The NBA 2K rating, while a bit low, could be seen as a challenge for Adebayo. It serves as a stark reminder that while his defensive impact is elite, there’s still room for growth on the offensive side of the ball, particularly with his shot selection and his willingness to take over a game when needed. His true shooting percentage has seen a slight decline in recent years, a factor that likely played a role in the rating. The expectation is for him to prove he deserves a higher spot among the league’s best, and a more well-rounded offensive game, including a more consistent three-point shot, would be the key to unlocking that next level.

The ranking also feels like a disservice when considering the company Adebayo keeps. He is a three-time All-Star, a gold medal winner with the U.S. Olympic team, and has been a key contributor to two NBA Finals runs. His value to the Heat is undeniable, and his leadership and grit are qualities that can’t be measured by a video game rating. He’s a franchise cornerstone and a player that every contending team would love to have. The perceived disconnect between his real-life impact and his virtual rating is a topic that will continue to fuel debates until he proves that he is unequivocally a top-tier player.

In the end, while the 88 rating and 30th ranking might seem low, it also provides a unique opportunity for Bam Adebayo to prove the doubters wrong. If he can continue to build on his strengths and expand his offensive repertoire, there is no doubt that his ranking will rise, cementing his place as one of the best two-way players in the league.