Bam Adebayo named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team

Former Kentucky standout Bam Adebayo has been named to the 2022-23 NBA All-Defensive Second Team, his fourth consecutive appearance dating back to 2020.

The Miami Heat center earned 13 First Team votes and 27 Second Team votes, the NBA announced Tuesday. He becomes the 18th player in franchise history to earn All-Defensive Team honors.

Adebayo, who was selected No. 14 overall back in the 2017 NBA Draft, finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting this season after helping lead the Heat defense that ranked first in offensive rebounds allowed per game, second in points allowed, second in charges taken, third in opponent field goals made per game and sixth in rebounds allowed per game. He led the team in rebounds 46 times and blocks 34 times — both team highs — while setting single-season career highs in offensive rebounds and steals. Overall, the star center led Miami in blocks, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds and total rebounds to go with second overall in steals.

On the season, the six-year pro averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 34.6 minutes per contest while shooting 54 percent from the field.

All-Defensive First Team

• Alex Caruso (Guard) – Bulls
• Jrue Holiday (Guard) – Bucks
• Jaren Jackson Jr. (Forward) – Grizzlies
• Evan Mobley (Forward) – Cavaliers
• Brook Lopez (Center) – Bucks

All-Defensive Second Team

• Derrick White (Guard) – Celtics
• Dillon Brooks (Guard) – Grizzlies
• O.G. Anunoby (Forward) – Raptors
• Draymond Green (Forward) – Warriors
• Bam Adebayo (Center) – Heat

Jaren Jackson Jr. was previously named 2022-23 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, beating out Brook Lopez (No. 2), Evan Mobley (No. 3), Draymond Green (No. 4) and Bam Adebayo (No. 5) for the honor.