Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo is one of the best all-around defenders in the NBA and he firmly believes he should’ve been the recipient of the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year over Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart and Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert across the last two years.

Bam isn’t letting it go and he made a bold promise heading into 2022-23. Via Ira Winderman:Trevon Diggs is a Ball Magnet

“I should have won it the last two years,” Bam Adebayo told the assembled campers at the Heat’s youth clinic when asked about his ongoing goals, “and I will win it this year.”

Adebayo is one of the rare players in the Association who can guard 1 through 5. Yes, he’s got the size and physicality to bang with the big bodies down low, but Bam can also hold his own if he drifts out to the perimeter. That’s what makes him such a special defensive weapon for the Heat. He’s one of the favorites to win DPOY next season and it’s clear Adebayo has extra motivation after getting snubbed the last two years.

Miami’s roster could look different by the time October rolls around too as they continue to be linked in trade talks for both Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant. Either player would make a huge difference for the Heat and give them another legitimate star to help the Heat make a title run. Nevertheless, Bam Adebayo knows what his focus is: Winning Defensive Player of the Year and of course, helping his team capture a championship.