Miami, FL. – The National Basketball Association announced today that Bam Adebayo has been awarded the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for December. This marks the tenth time and the sixth player from the Miami HEAT to receive the monthly Community Assist Award, joining Dwyane Wade (four times), Alonzo Mourning (twice), Lamar Odom, Shaquille O’Neal, and Daequan Cook. In recognition of his efforts, the NBA and the NBPA Foundation will contribute $20,000 to the Edrice Adebayo Foundation.
“To me, the holidays have always been a special time of year that inspires us to give back and serve others,” said Bam Adebayo. “It’s about spreading kindness during a season that can be difficult for a lot of people. We go big in December, but the mission of my foundation is bigger than one moment on the calendar — it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and making an impact year-round.”
Michael Baiamonte, Voice of the Miami Heat, to Retire at the End of the Season
In December, Adebayo hosted his annual holiday toy drive at the Kaseya Center main court, welcoming over 2,000 students. Children from underserved communities enjoyed a meal and selected from more than 36,000 toys to take home. Following the event, any remaining gifts were donated to local organizations across South Florida. Throughout the month, Adebayo invited eight student-athletes and their chaperones from his hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina, to participate in an exclusive game-day weekend as a recognition of their academic and personal achievements. The weekend included a courtside home game, jersey presentations, a meet-and-greet, a boat ride, a panel discussion with his HEAT teammates, and a cooking class.
Additionally, five student-athletes facing significant challenges were flown to attend a Miami home game, where they were acknowledged by Head Coach Erik Spoelstra and HEAT President Pat Riley for their resilience and determination. Each of these student-athletes received a care package that included Jordan 1 Retro sneakers, full uniforms, and other essential items. Adebayo’s foundation also surprised fans at home games with seat upgrades throughout the month.
The Edrice Adebayo Foundation’s mission is to support single parents and positively influence children’s future opportunities, choices, and challenges. The Foundation is guided by the principles of Bam, Books & Brotherhood and operates year-round. Additional information can be found at http://www.thebbbfoundation.org.
The NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award honors NBA legend and Hall of Famer Bob Lanier, who served as an NBA League Office executive and NBA Cares Ambassador for over 30 years. His enduring legacy continues through this award, which celebrates the next generation of players dedicated to making a meaningful impact in their communities throughout the NBA season.
Photo/MiamiHeat/X