Kevin Garnett Calls Out Bam Adebayo For Disappointing Run In Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Heat Debut

All eyes were on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo when the Miami Heat kickstarted their 2026-27 campaign against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. It was the beginning of a new era with the two big men at the helm.

With big hype from their home fans, the Heat were blown out 131-106 by the Wolves at the Kaseya Center. While Antetokounmpo was at his usual best, scoring 35 points, Adebayo’s performance left many unimpressed as he ended his night with 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Heat have struggled since their run to the NBA Finals in 2024. After Jimmy Butler left at the trade deadline last year, Adebayo hasn’t been able to lead the franchise as the lone star.

Following their Play-In exit last season, the Heat traded for Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade. They have made a number of changes to their roster in the summer and entered the new season with a new-look roster.

With Antetokounmpo and Adebayo as the front court duo, many expected the Heat to be an unstoppable force in the paint. However, Adebayo’s poor performance on Wednesday sparked a reaction from former NBA champion Kevin Garnett.

I need Bam to give me superstar energy. I need all out. 13, 15 points ain’t no superstar sh**. I need Bam to be goddamn 25 and 12! Whose team is this? Is this your team? Did Giannis come to Miami? Nah, this is Giannis team, this is Giannis team together. Nobody was showing superstar energy other than Giannis.

Kevin Garnett on KG Certified

Kevin Garnett GOES IN on Bam Adebayo for not playing like a superstar 😳 “13/15 points ain’t no superstar sh*t! I need Bam to be goddamn 25 and 12! I need Bam to give me superstar energy. The tried and down, the cool sh*t, the looking, nah. I need all out. 13-15 points ain’t it. 13, 15 points ain’t no superstar sh*t. I need Bam to be goddamn 25 and 12! Whose team is this? Is this your team? Did Giannis come to Miami? Nah, this is Giannis team, this is Giannis team together. Bro, nobody was showing superstar energy other than Giannis. — I’m telling you, man, it’s too cool for me. All this, all these players who cool… nah, that cool sh*t ain’t it, bro." (H/t @CulturedUpdatez)

— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) October 24, 2026

Excitement around the organization has been high following the acquisitions of Antetokounmpo and Klay Thompson. But former Heat head coach Stan Van Gundy was wary of the team, as he did not see Adebayo as a superstar-caliber player.

Bam Adebayo had a disasterclass against the Detroit Pistons

The Heat were looking to bounce back from their season-opening loss to the Wolves. It was a tough test as they took on last season’s Eastern Conference standings topper, the Detroit Pistons.

However, just like their game against the Wolves, the Heat found themselves trailing from the first quarter and never found their way back. While Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a show once again with 36 points and 12 rebounds, Adebayo summed up his poor performance with just 4 points and six rebounds.

HEAT FALL TO 0-2 AFTER LOSING TO PISTONS, 128-111 😳 Giannis: 36 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST Bam: 4 PTS, 6 REB Klay: 6 PTS, 2-11 3PT https://t.co/JU0W7yTNRq

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 24, 2026

In the end, the Heat suffered a 128-111 defeat to the Pistons at home on Friday night. It was not the start they would have expected, as they are 0-2 from their first two games of the regular season.

Adebayo struggled to find his footing against the Pistons from tip-off. With three fouls and zero points before halftime, he spent the entire second quarter on the bench. The center may be known for his defensive prowess, but the Heat will need to see him improve his scoring output as they cannot rely on their Greek superstar to carry the offense every night.

Bam Adebayo acknowledges he is struggling with his performances

Antetokounmpo may be the superstar and the leader of the team, but Bam Adebayo has been a part of the franchise since 2017. Drafted by the Heat in 2017, he has been vital to their two Finals runs in 2020 and 2024.

However, his slow start to the season is becoming a problem for the Heat. While they faced tough opposition in their first two games, their performances, particularly Adebayo’s, have been uninspiring.

Following the loss, the 29-year-old acknowledged his poor start to the season during his postgame interview.

Just gotta shoot the basketball better. Obviously I can’t have 3 fouls in the 1Q, which is crazy, but you gotta live with the rebound… It’s just aggravating… We’ll figure it out. I’ll figure it out.

Bam Adebayo in his postgame locker room interview

Bam Adebayo on his bad performance tonight: “Just gotta shoot the basketball better, obviously I can’t have 3 fouls in the 1Q which is crazy…this is aggravating…at that point the game is just done…we’ll figure it out — I’ll figure it out…” (🎥@BradyHawk305) https://t.co/Ai7W2af1JJ

— The HEAT Realm (@WadexFlash) October 24, 2026

Adebayo and the Heat have little time to dwell on the loss to the Pistons as they take on the Charlotte Hornets on their second night of a back-to-back. It is a good opportunity to correct their mistakes and register their first win of the season.

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