Bam Adebayo on why he “hated” Erik Spoelstra before he learned his lesson

As it is relationship between Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo and Erik Spoelstra about to extend his ninth season along with Wednesday’s opener against the Orlando Magic, there’s no denying there have been ups and downs, just like anyone’s. While it is the standard for the Heat set by Spoelstra and Adebayo that spanned nearly a decade, the big man would give some insight into how he felt about the head coach in his rookie season.

Speaking to The Miami Herald, Adebayo spoke fondly of his long relationship with Spoelster, saying how, early in his freshman year, he “hated” him because of his limited capabilities early. However, Adebayo learned patience and other qualities during that time.

“I always say this, I hated Spo my rookie year,” Adebayo said with a laugh, via Anthony Chang of the Miami Herald . “I felt like he didn’t give me a chance as soon as I felt like I should have, I got a chance, but it taught me to obviously be patient, humble and really look at what’s in front of you. But other than that, our communication was really the biggest difference in growth. Before I was afraid to walk into his office, I was afraid to ask him questions because I tried to ask him questions because I tried to help him. thinking.”

“We talk to each other in every practice. Before every practice we have a five to ten minute talk depending on what it is,” Adebayo continued. “I mean, it could be about the kids, it could be about life, it could be about basketball. So it’s different from time to time. … And it’s become more of a brotherhood than a coach and a player.”

With season opener at the Miami Heat on Wednesday, Adebayo highlighted the idea of ​​him and Apoelstra being on the same page as they are the oldest in the team. Spoelstra said he values ​​his relationship with Adebayo, even comparing it to that of Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem, which is a “great honor” for the star.

“I know what I’m missing to be fully in that seat at that table,” Adebayo said of the title after going to the NBA Finals twice. “But as far as those two (Haslem and Wade) go, man, it’s a huge honor.”

“So man, I’m just able to build that relationship over the years,” Adebayo continued. “Going through the heartache, but also seeing each other succeed and grow in this league. It’s crazy. You have to pinch yourself sometimes because it goes so fast. It felt like yesterday, I just walked in here and he just met me. So far, it’s been almost nine years.”

Either way, Adebayo and Spoelstra look to fulfill their championship aspirations as Miami opens the season Wednesday against the Magic.