Bam Adebayo ready to take up the torch after Udonis Haslem

Started on the basis of his best career season, Bam Adebayo also takes more and more space in the locker room, to behave as a leader for the Heat alongside Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry.

At 25, the time has come for the pivot to take on a new dimension, and on and off the pitch, he is currently meeting expectations.

“Everyone is starting to trust me. It’s not like they didn’t trust me before, but it’s the fact that I can lead by example on the pitch.”he confided. “I add to that the fact of being a vocal leader. It makes things easier for everyone. You can’t be a vocal leader if you don’t do the right things.”

Bam Adebayo made particular reference to his teammate Udonis Haslem where he took an example to become more than a leader by example.

“Everyone listens to Udonis Haslem because of his background and the fact that he’s still here playing with us at 42 and running sprints. Everyone respects him because he leads by example on and off the pitch. I learned from his vocal leadership knowing what to say and when to say it. I progress with everyone. They are like brothers. So we listen to everyone’s opinion., he added.

A peaceful leader

He also underlined having learned to be more peaceful alongside his veteran teammate, notably using meditation so as not to be affected by the results of the team, whatever they are. It is also that, being a professional player and it is in this sense that the presence of Udonis Haslem is also precious for Miami.

“It’s mostly the way he’s done it, as he’s been through ups and downs but he’s still in the fight with you. He’s a guy I’m really going to miss. He’s been through so much. Before, I didn’t think I felt peaceful. I was thinking about wins and losses, and it kept me up all night. I was losing sleep over it and had an attitude problem. My life revolved around wins and losses, so much so that now I meditate. He talks to me about what he sees and what he knows. What he says helps me put things into perspective, so I can just play and perform.”

Meditation has also helped him to be less anxious and it shows on the pitch.

“It’s just about not getting carried away by the wins and not getting knocked down by the losses. I find a sense of peace and enjoy life. I always enjoy what I do”he continued. “I meditate before every game. I am one of those people who are anxious. There’s a lot going on in my head, even though everyone thinks I look calm, fresh and alert. So I try to have a sense of peace. Having peace of mind helps me”.