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.