Ex Coach Not Sold on ‘Overrated’ Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo-Led Heat

Stan Van Gundy is not very confident about Miami Heat's chances after Giannis Antetokounmpo joining forces with Bam Adebayo.

Ex Coach Not Sold on ‘Overrated’ Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo-Led Heat

Stan Van Gundy, and Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image credits - Bleacher Report and Heat Central/X)

The Miami Heat have generated a lot of hype after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo in the offseason. The move pairs him with Bam Adebayo in what may be the league’s strongest frontcourt duo ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The Heat had a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. They missed the playoffs after getting knocked out in the Play-In Tournament. So it was only a matter of time before the organization made big moves to shake up the roster.

With just a few days to go for the new season, there has been a lot of talk regarding the Heat’s chances of lifting the championship. The path to an Eastern Conference championship has gotten a lot harder this summer.

Former Heat head coach Stan Van Gundy offered a skeptical preview of the current roster and singled out Adebayo.

I’m not as high on Miami as people are. I’d actually be surprised if they were in the top 6. I think Bam is a little overrated, particularly at the offensive end of the floor. Giannis is another guy. We talk about all these guys with their health. This guy’s broken down badly over the last few years. I don’t see them as one of the top teams in the East.

Stan Van Gundy on The Zach Lowe Show

Stan Van Gundy was the head coach of the Heat from 2003 to 2005. The veteran head coach is known for his hot takes. There has been a lot of excitement surrounding the new acquisitions, but Van Gundy believes the excitement around the new-look Heat has outrun reality.

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The Athletic predicts Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat will finish 9th in the East

The trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks was seen as a needle mover in the East. After finishing tenth in the Eastern Conference standings last season, the Heat front office faced pressure to make big moves this offseason.

They have made a number of changes to their roster and the addition of Klay Thompson was seen a huge boost to their three-point shooting. With Adebayo and Antetokounmpo in the front court, the Heat are expected to be a nightmare to score against in the paint.

Despite the additions, Van Gundy sees them finishing outside the top-six in the East. Similarly, John Hollinger of The Athletic predicted that they will finish ninth in a stacked Eastern Conference.

I don’t think the rest of the roster beyond Giannis and Bam Adebayo is anywhere near good enough, and those easy wins in the East will be much harder to come by this season.

John Hollinger on The Athletic

While Hollinger credited the pairing of Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, he believes the Heat’s lack of depth remains a concern next season. All strong teams face challenges, but the Heat have enough players on their roster who are eager to win.

Jimmy Butler believes Bam Adebayo can do everything well

Following the departure of Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline last year, Bam Adebayo has struggled to keep the Heat relevant in the East. They were clean swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round last year before missing the playoffs this year.

Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler
Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler (Image credits – Heat Nation)

The 2025-26 campaign was a difficult season for the Heat. However, they did have a memorable moment when Adebayo scored 83 points against the Washington Wizards in March. His performance showed that he can be a force to reckon with on both ends of the floor.

While speaking about Adebayo’s record-breaking performance, Butler heaped praise on his former teammate.

83 is a lot of points and he’s a crazy talented player. He can do everything incredibly well. 83 is historic.

Jimmy Butler on SiriusXM NBA Radio

Contrary to Van Gundy’s comments, Butler said Adebayo can do everything well on the court. Adebayo and the Heat may have their share of doubters, and now they have to silence their critics as the new campaign gets underway.

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