Bam Adebayo Says He's Been Labeled 'Scapegoat' by 'Outside' Critics amid Heat's 0-4 Start

Bam Adebayo discussed the criticism that he's received while the Miami Heat have opened the 2026-27 season with four straight losses.

"You know, it's funny how the outside noise wants to make me the scapegoat," Adebayo said, per ESPN. "But when the tables turn, just all that energy -- when the energy shifts -- just be prepared for that."

The three-time All-Star is averaging 11.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting just 40.0 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from three-point range.

Adebayo has remained impactful defensively by recording 2.0 steals and 0.8 blocks on a nightly basis, but Miami is still winless despite the offseason addition of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

"I got expectations for myself, but, obviously, the outside noise got expectations for us," Adebayo said, per ESPN. "So for me, I know what I'm capable of. I'm not going to overthink that. We're 0-4 right now. I'd rather it be right now than this be midway through the season or in April. Because what if we go on a 10-game winning streak? Then how does the noise change?"

While the 29-year-old is largely known for his defensive acumen, he made strides on offense during his 2025-26 campaign.

Last season, Adebayo's average of 20.1 points per game represented the second-highest mark of his career. He also connected on a personal-best 127 three-pointers, leading to the hope that he could help space the floor for Antetokounmpo.

It hasn't worked out so far, as Miami ranks 27thamong all teams with a 105.3 offensive rating to open the year (via NBA.com).

The Heat's offensive woes have been exacerbated when their two stars share the court.

Miami owns a minus-31.6 net rating in the 71 minutes that Adebayo and Antetokounmpo have played together (via NBA.com).

The Heat will attempt to pick up their first win of the season during a matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. ET.