Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo has been named the NBA’s Social Justice Champion for the 2025/26 season, the league announced Friday evening. The recognition comes with the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy and a $100,000 donation to the Bam, Books & Brotherhood Foundation.
“I accept this award not just for myself, but for every voice that has gone unheard and every person working behind the scenes to create a more just and compassionate world,” Adebayo said in a statement released by the team.
Adebayo back on All-Defensive list
The league also placed Adebayo on the All-Defensive Second Team on Friday. He earned second-team honors from 2020 through 2023, made the first team in 2024 and was left off the list in 2025. “It’s great to be back on the list,” he told reporters, adding that he felt “snubbed a couple times.” Head coach Erik Spoelstra called the 26-year-old “a unicorn who can defend any scheme in this league.”
Scout sees high ceiling for Kelel Ware
A scout who spoke with the South Florida Sun Sentinel compared 22-year-old center Kelel Ware to veterans Brook Lopez, Myles Turner, and Kristaps Porziņģis, labeling him a potential future All-Star. “What Ware has on all of those veterans is his athleticism,” the scout said, noting that his lob-threat ability resembles Porziņģis’. While Miami is not expected to shop Ware this offseason, he is not considered untouchable in a possible trade package for Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to the report.
Ellington to lead Summer League squad
Assistant coach Wayne Ellington, who joined Spoelstra’s staff in 2023 as a player-development coach, will guide the Heat’s Summer League team in July.
Quinn granted Bulls interview
Miami has given Chicago permission to interview veteran assistant Chris Quinn for the Bulls’ head-coaching vacancy.
The Heat head into the offseason with Adebayo’s latest accolades, Ware’s rising profile, and coaching assignments for Ellington and possibly Quinn shaping the organization’s next steps.
Source: Hoops Rumors
