Center for the Miami Heat, #13, Bam Adebayo, appears to have possibly lost out on a lot more than just declining to make an All-NBA team on Wednesday, May 22. In fact, missing the All-NBA could effectively have a profound impact on Adebayo’s career.
Adebayo’s failure to make the team may not only cost him plenty of the much-deserved recognition he has earned, but it could also force the immensely popular All-Star center to miss out on millions of dollars. If Adebayo had managed to make an All-NBA team, he would have then been eligible to sign a supermax extension that would have been worth at least $245 million throughout four seasons. Only two other options were available for Adebayo to earn eligibility for the multi-million dollar extension, which was to either win the league MVP or Defensive Player of the Year.
Since failing to make the All-NBA, Adebayo is essentially only permitted to ink a three-year extension worth $165 million. The extension he is allowed to sign would begin at approximately $51 million at the start of the 2026-27 season. At this time, Adebayo is permitted to sign an extension with the Heat this coming off-season between the allotted time frame of July 7 and October 21.
However, there is still one remaining possible alternative for Adebayo, which is to hold out and wait before signing anything. This would mean that Adebayo would need to not sign any extension at all until next summer, at which point he would once again regain the eligibility to earn the supermax extension. Of course, he would have to do so with any of the previous criteria, and one distinction is saved for the fact that the most likely of the group is squeezing its way onto the All-NBA third team. Some fans believe this was well-deserved this season.
Earning recognition ahead of Adebayo was Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis. The fact that Sabonis recorded an impressive 77 double-doubles played a large factor in him earning the recognition. In total, Sabonis averaged 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists on 59.4% shooting. His stats overshadow Adebayo without question, as the Heat center posted an average of 19.3 points and 10.4 rebounds on 52.1% shooting.
As a prestigious commendation in the NBA, earning a spot on an All-NBA team, which is comprised of three separate lineups: first team, second team, and third team, is a symbol of praise. The selection process is done by sportswriters and broadcasters, and it takes into account each player’s regular season performances in categories like rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, alongside a qualitative assessment of their impact on the court.
For players, being included on any all-NBA team is a personal accolade as well as an immense recognition of their dedication, skill, and influence on the sport. It shows they are elite athletes whose contributions go beyond individual achievements, helping to shape the league as a whole. All-NBA selections also carry major financial importance, often leading to much bigger and more favorable contract negotiations, future endorsements, and other career opportunities for players.
