Bam on All-Star Weekend: “I feel like it’s a great thing honoring Kobe. I feel like that’s what it had to be”

Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo spoke with reporters during All-Star media day in Chicago about his journey to becoming an All-Star and how he feels right at home in Miami

“Well, before I got drafted, my dream was to play at home. But, I’m cool in Miami though. Great weather. Doing great. Living great and it feels like home.”

Adebayo was Miami’s first-round pick back in 2017. He was selected to his first All-Star game this year as he’s averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists per game.

“It means a lot,” Adebayo says of being selected as an All-Star. “Just those people that helped me along the way like coach Juwan (Howard) has. You know, I give them great respect. I know I’m a handful sometimes. When I get frustrated, I like to kick balls over the gym. You would never know that behind the scenes, but I greatly appreciate everybody who’s been with me through this point. I’ll keep trying to be here again, and just keep doing this thing.”

Adebayo also spoke on how important it was to honor the late legend Kobe Bryant at the All-Star game after Commissioner Adam Silver broke the news that the MVP award will be named after him.

“I feel like it’s a great thing honoring Kobe. I feel like that’s what it had to be. We had to make a change in something, and it just turns out to be the All-Star game. But, I’m happy it’s for Kobe. It was a sad day for him and the whole NBA.”