General managers throughout the NBA completed their annual survey, answering a slew of questions about the upcoming season and who they expect to dominate it.
There were a lot of revealing answers in this year’s survey.
Many people were surprised by the fact that Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat didn’t receive any votes for best defensive player in the league.
It seems the league’s general managers forgot about Adebayo, but Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t.
According to Anthony Chiang, via Legion Hoops, Spoelstra said: “That one is unbelievable to me. Bam is the best defensive player in the league and I can’t understand why he’s not recognized.”
Bam Adebayo didn’t receive one single vote in the NBA GM survey for best defensive players in the league.
Erik Spoelstra: “That one is unbelievable to me. Bam is the best defensive player in the league and I can’t understand why he’s not recognized.”
(via @Anthony_Chiang) pic.twitter.com/6o6cOfJjGS
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 11, 2023
Instead of selecting Adebayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Draymond Green, Marcus Smart, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Kawhi Leonard were selected as the best defensive players in the league.
Although Adebayo missed out on the list of overall defensive players, he was the third choice for “most versatile defender” behind Antetokounmpo and Green.
Last season, Adebayo averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
He earned his second All-Star appearance and was a crucial part of the team all season long, especially during their long run in the postseason.
Throughout his career, many people have predicted that Adebayo could eventually win Defensive Player of the Year.
That hasn’t happened yet, although he has been selected for the league’s All-Defensive Team twice.
Spoelstra is shocked that his talented big man isn’t getting more recognition from NBA general managers.
But perhaps this snub is the sort of inspiration Adebayo can use in the months ahead.
Maybe he will play with something to prove, which could ultimately lead to his best season yet.
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