Adebayo Breaks Heat Rebound Record

Bam Adebayo ended a decade-long chase for a team record on Wednesday night, surpassing Udonis Haslem for the most rebounds in Miami Heat history. The milestone arrived during a 129-117 win over the Atlanta Hawks, which marked the first victory for Miami in its first five games this season. Adebayo collected nine rebounds in the game, bringing his career total with the Heat to 5,794. That figure exceeded Haslem's mark of 5,791, a number accumulated over Haslem's 20-season tenure with the franchise.

Haslem held the franchise record for more than a decade, first setting the benchmark in November 2012. He served as the team's longtime captain until his retirement, a role Adebayo assumed upon his arrival. The passing of the rebounding record adds to Adebayo's standing in other statistical categories. He currently ranks second in franchise scoring history behind Dwyane Wade. He also sits third in assists and steals, and fifth in blocked shots.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised Adebayo's physical approach to the game. Spoelstra noted that the new record holder achieved the feat through consistent effort and resilience in the paint. “He’s done it with an iron will, a work ethic that’s unmatched,” Spoelstra said. “That’s a lot of rebounds in traffic, getting hit, banged in there. To be able to do it and break the record of his brother, UD, that’s a really special moment.”

Adebayo acknowledged the personal connection to the record he broke. He played alongside Haslem for ten years, from his rookie season until Haslem's departure. “The person I’m passing has been so close to me throughout my 10 years in this career, from the time I walked in until now,” Adebayo said during a postgame interview. “Man, I can’t really put it into words.”

The center was drafted out of Kentucky with the 14th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Since entering the league in 2017, only nine players have recorded more rebounds than he has. His recent form includes an 83-point performance last season, the second-highest single-game scoring total in NBA history.

Adebayo expressed gratitude for the journey that led to the new team record. He credited his support system and his faith for helping him reach this point. “I came into this league just wanting to make an impact, leave a mark,” Adebayo said. “And to pass some of the people who have been with me on this journey, can’t do anything but thank God but also appreciate the people that have been around me.”

The game ball from the victory was presented to Adebayo by a Heat staff member. The moment capped a night where the Heat finally won a game, snapping a four-game losing start to the 2026-27 campaign. Adebayo's new total of 5,794 rebounds now stands as the highest in Miami's history.