ESPN Analyst Once Again Bluntly Challenges Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo

Shandel Richardson | Mar 18, 2025

Mar 17, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) controls the ball against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is one of the biggest critics of Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo.

On Monday, Adebayo gave Perkins more ammunition.

Adebayo was a non-factor in a 115-96 loss to the New York Knicks. He finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists. It was the Heat's eighth straight loss, the longest streak since 2008 when they won 15 games.

At halftime, Perkins knew it was evident Adebayo was headed toward a subpar performance. He took a backseat while Tyler Herro kept the Heat afloat against Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks.

“We’re not supposed to be seeing Tyler Herro versus KAT," Perkins said at halftime of the ESPN broadcast "…Can Bam show up and fight back at some point? Fight back. You’re supposed to be one of them guys”

Perkins is no stranger to taking aim at Adebayo. He took a shot earlier this month at the Heat's three-time All-Star.

In early March, Perkins said he wanted see more from Adebayo. Many felt this was a supposed breakout year for Adebayo but Herro has emerged as the Heat's top scoring option.

“I’m looking at Bam Adebayo, 17 and 9 is just not cutting it," Perkins said. "He has to elevate his game. Like who is he? Is he a guy that will be a second option consistently to help you be a title contender? Like what is he? That’s the question.”

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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