Bam Adebayo continues enjoying a newsworthy year on and off the court.

On March 10, the Miami Heat forward set the basketball world (and Kaseya Center’s nets) ablaze by [scoring 83 points](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7106720/2026/03/11/bam-adebayo-free-throws-83-points/) against the Washington Wizards, sandwiching himself between Wilt Chamberlain (100) and Kobe Bryant (81) among the highest-scoring games in NBA history. By season’s end, Adebayo had made his sixth career All-Defensive Team, extending his franchise record.

Last month, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo joined Adebayo via trade to form one of the league’s most potent frontcourts as Miami seeks to snap its four-year streak of Play-In appearances. Last week, Adebayo publicized having asked A’ja Wilson’s father for the four-time WNBA MVP’s hand in marriage, a step toward elevating their [high-profile relationship](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6754327/2025/10/27/aja-wilson-bam-adebayo-relationship-dating/).

Read the article for free [here](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7487993/2026/08/03/bam-adebayo-giannis-aja-wilson-engagement-trophy-big-year/?unlocked_article_code=1.2lA._jpF.zu36XsROw8-X&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta)

Bam Adebayo’s year, explained: An 83-point game, Giannis partnership, A'ja Wilson and more