After Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the Miami Heat earlier in the summer, many put them as one of the title contenders for next year.
Although they definitely got stronger with the arrival of the Greek superstar, many doubt their abilities due to their limited role players, especially after Miami failed to lure LeBron James.
Bam Adebayo addressed the first conversations with Giannis and roster concerns in a short interview.
"We're ready to get to work. The goal is to win a championship. Those first conversations are really about winning," he answered.
"We'll figure it out. We don’t listen to the outside noise too much. We've done a lot more with less in our past years so we'll figure it out," Adebayo spoke about roster concerns regarding a lack of shooting.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Bam Adebayo
Giannis Antetokounmpo Bam Adebayo
Giannis excited about partnership with Bam Adebayo
His jersey number change represents a fresh beginning for Antetokounmpo as he prepares to form one of the NBA's most imposing frontcourt partnerships alongside Bam Adebayo.
Antetokounmpo praised Adebayo's toughness, work ethic, and personality while reflecting on what it was like to face him as an opponent in his introductory press conference.
"Usually, I get eight hours of sleep before I play anybody. With Bam, I got 12 hours," Antetokounmpo joked.
"He's a fighter. He's a worker. He's an easy guy to be around."
Beyond their relationship off the court, Antetokounmpo believes the competitiveness of Miami's two frontcourt leaders will set the standard for the rest of the roster.
"Basketball-wise, I think when the two heads of the snake are very competitive and work hard, everybody else follows our lead," he said.
Antetokounmpo also emphasized the defensive expectations surrounding his partnership with Adebayo.
"Defensively, we have to be good," he added. "We have no choice."