For the last few seasons, many people have predicted that Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat could win Defensive Player of the Year.
That hasn’t happened – at least not yet – but 2023-24 might be when he earns the coveted prize.
However, Adebayo isn’t too happy with how the winner of that award is decided.
He told Brady Hawk, per Legion Hoops, that the award is focused too much on players who earn steals and blocks.
He claims that not enough people are looking at the bigger picture and the rest of a player’s output on the court.
“Obviously, we have a lot of people who are stat watchers. Straight to the column and be like, ‘Oh, well he had this much,’ not knowing he gave up 40 in the paint,” Adebayo said.
Bam Adebayo on defensive accolades being a steals and blocks award:
“Obviously we have a lot of people who are stat watchers. Straight to the column, and be like, ‘Oh well he had this much’, not knowing he gave up 40 in the paint.”
(via @BradyHawk305) pic.twitter.com/haKXLFvEUL
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 16, 2023
Adebayo is one of the people critical of DPOY and other NBA end-of-season awards.
There are many who argue these awards are often given to the players with the best statistics, but there should be more to it than just that.
As Adebayo suggested, numbers don’t tell the full story and these awards are doing a disservice to NBA stars when they aren’t given to someone who has the best overall game.
Adebayo is coming off of a great 2022-23 season.
He averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists on 54% from the floor.
He was a vital part of the team’s surprising playoff run, recording 17.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Adebayo earned his second All-Star selection last year but missed out on Defensive Player of the Year.
Maybe 2023-24 will be the season when he finally claims that honor.
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