feature-image

Imago

feature-image

Imago

Miami Heat fans are well aware of the intense Heat culture Pat Riley has built over the years. Thanks to legendary stars such as Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem, the tradition persists to this day. Speaking of the same culture, Wade’s former teammate and 2x All-Star, Bam Adebayo, attributed one of his wild and powerful moves to the 13x NBA All-Star.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

After Haslem’s retirement, the reins of the team lie with Bam Adebayo. Flaunting power moves which he learnt from Wade, it’s apparent how the star is going to dominate.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

Bam Adebayo learned his killer strike from Dwyane Wade

Adebayo has been one of the best defenders in the league for a while now. He has been named to the All-Defensive Second Team in four straight years, from 2020 to 2023. Speaking of one of his pump fakes, which is a promising killer strike on his opponents, the 26-year-old said that he learned it from Dwyane Wade.

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

As per journalist Brady Hawk, Bam said, “I actually got it from D-Wade?He pulled me to the side and said let the defense make the mistake.” The pump-fake jump shot was one of Wade’s signature moves. He drew numerous fouls from defenders with this simple move throughout his career.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch This Story: NBA Analyst Thrashes LeBron James? Agent Rich Paul?s Comments on Pressure of ?Following? Michael Jordan: ?He Had to Follow Magic (Johnson)?

ADVERTISEMENT

Current Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr who was a TNT analyst in 2013, tweeted, “I think the NBA should fine any player who jumps at D Wade’s pump fake at the 3 point line. He’s been doing it forever!! Scouting report???” after the Flash fooled 3 Toronto Raptors players in the same game with the same move. Adebayo is showcasing every ounce of talent he learned from the 3x champion.

ADVERTISEMENT

Last season, he averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 54.0% from the field and 80.6% from the free-throw line. Adebayo not only has fans’ love but also support from his former teammates. Haslem once made a bold comment about the 2x NBA All-Star.

Udonis Haslem is proud of Bam Adebayo

ADVERTISEMENT

Haslem has spent 19 years with the Heat. After retiring earlier this year, Haslem became the Vice President of Basketball Development for the Heat. One of the most seasoned and talented players in franchise history, the 43-year-old always has bountiful praises for Adebayo.?

During the end of his career, he has watched the player evolve and become one of the best in the league. Naturally, after him, it was Bam who assumed the leadership role for the team. For the Miami Heat fans, he has one judgment, ?The more he talks, the less I have to do. He takes over the huddles. He holds guys accountable. He?s engaged.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Haslem added, “He?s building that trust and relationship with guys. That?s what you want from your best player.? What are your thoughts? Do tell us in the comments below.

READ MORE: ?WTF?: Disgruntled NBA Fans Unleash Wrath On $16,000,000-Rich Company After Massive Kobe Bryant News Hits Online Platforms

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Pritha Debroy

3,476 Articles

Pritha Debroy works with the NFL Lifestyle Desk at EssentiallySports, where she explores the league beyond the sidelines and focuses on the cultural nuances of football. Bringing a fresh perspective shaped by her background in basketball lifestyle stories and cross-sport expertise, she highlights how NFL athletes build influence off the field. A graduate of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, our in-house initiative that trains writers under industry experts, Pritha specializes in long-form features and player-driven stories that capture the evolving identity of today’s NFL stars. Pritha combines her passion for storytelling with a thoughtful approach to sports culture and lifestyle. With strong communication skills and an eye for detail, she brings a distinctive voice to NFL journalism, delivering engaging and insightful content that resonates with readers.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Pragya Vashisth

ADVERTISEMENT