2023 NBA Playoffs: Ranking 6 stars with the most to prove this postseason

5. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Among Miami Heat fans, Bam Adebayo is a player that can sometimes be viewed as polarizing. When it comes to the NBA Playoffs, though, there’s no question that he’s left a lot to be desired over the past two seasons. Since his breakout playoff performance during the 2019-20 NBA bubble playoffs, Bam has been unable to reach that level of play for the Heat when it has mattered most. And that’s a problem.

If Bam is going to be viewed as a foundational part of the franchise, he has to up his level of play in the postseason and not, for the lack of a better phrase, take a step back when the lights are brightest. But you can make the argument that it’s been that way for Bam recently. And that’s why he’s under pressure heading into the postseason.

If the Heat was expected to make noise in the postseason this year, Bam would probably be ranked higher. However, because the expectation is that the Heat will lose in the first round if they even make the top 8, he’s a little lower than perhaps some would expect.

After another strong regular season, Bam needs to prove that he can dominate similarly in the postseason. He has not done that in three years for the Heat.