There were some critics when Bam Adebayo, only in his seventh year in the league, was appointed the next captain over veterans like Jimmy Butler or Kevin Love. However, that responsibility was not a last-minute decision. In fact, it was a few years in the making since the previous captain, Udonis Haslem, was grooming the 27-year-old for his new role, who saw in him not just a cornerstone for the franchise but the heart of its future.

Yet, with this new responsibility, questions have arisen about Adebayo’s on-court performance—specifically, his scoring. Has the weight of leadership affected his game? For Haslem, the answer is clear: Bam’s impact extends far beyond points on the scoreboard.

“They oftentimes want to look at scoring and think that’s most of it,” Haslem explained on his latest podcast episode. “And they don’t understand how much Bam does for our team on both ends of the basketball court.” He highlighted Adebayo’s versatility, comparing him to a point forward: “You talk about getting other guys involved, Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herr0. … Bam is almost like a point forward.”

Even the Heat coach Erik Spoelstra’s system leans heavily on Adebayo’s ability to initiate offense from anywhere on the court. “I think for Bam, you know what I’m saying just people understanding how much he means to our team when he’s not scoring,” Haslem added.

And it’s not just the offensive end where Adebayo shines. “There are only a couple of guys in the league that can guard one through five, and he’s one of them.”

This season, Adebayo’s scoring numbers may have dipped—down from a career-high 20.6 points two years ago to 16.1—but his assists are up, reflecting his growing role as a playmaker. His ability to adapt and elevate his teammates hasn’t gone unnoticed, even as the Heat struggle to find consistency amid swirling Jimmy Butler trade rumors.

Shams Charania’s recent report claimed Butler is seeking a trade before the February deadline, adding to the uncertainty around the Heat’s season.

Why did Udonis Haslem “force” Bam Adebayo to carry the torch forward?

Earlier this season during the media day duties, the Kentucky Wildcats admitted it was UD’s idea about the new captain. ” I didn’t choose to be captain. UD forced me into that role.” As stated earlier, the grooming process was already under away from a few seasons earlier. Even Coach Spo pointed out it was a “special moment” after Bam Adebayo’s appointment.

Udonis Haslem had no doubts whatsoever regarding #13 taking the Heat franchise forward. “We demand certain things from our guys, and Bam understands that. The team is in good hands as long as he’s around.” Even during the post-season run last year, Adebayo scored 20 points or more in every game.

He ended his first playoff run as the captain with an average of 22.6 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 5 games. Even though his scoring has reduced, let’s not forget he still possesses those abilities. That is why the former captain, Udonis Haslem, is not worried.

For him, Adebayo remains the glue holding it all together—a leader whose contributions often go underappreciated in the shadow of traditional stats.