Miami Heat’s star Bam Adebayo had a memorable weekend, earning his third All-Star selection and stepping up as a starter in the game due to Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers being injured.

Although the match was just for show, Adebayo lightheartedly remarked to his Eastern Conference teammates that they should have fed him the ball more, as he only got to shoot twice, reports Ira Winderman from The Sun Sentinel

“I need teammates who are willing to share the ball,” Adebayo humorously commented about his Eastern Conference colleagues. “It’s tough out there.”

Despite the high-scoring game that ended 211-186, Adebayo found few chances to contribute significantly. When questioned post-game about his efforts to get more passes from teammates, it appears his attempts were unsuccessful.

“Look, it’s not that simple,” Adebayo explained. “I’d love to be the MVP, but sometimes it’s just someone else’s moment.”

Adebayo suggests communicating with Coach Spoelstra regarding his capability in shooting three-pointers

Adebayo made a notable impression with the one successful shot he did land, as he cleverly bounced the ball off Nikola Jokic’s back and sank a pull-up three-pointer. Post-game, he playfully suggested that someone should inform Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra of his three-point prowess.“Let Spo know about the three-pointer,” Bam remarked. “Find the footage and show it to Spo.”Overall, Adebayo contributed three points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out two assists during the game.

Despite the limited chances to showcase his skills, he expressed gratitude for the experience and the desire to make it a regular occurrence, as well as enjoying the “fun opportunity” to be at the event with peers who entered the league with him, as reported by Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald.“It’s a fun opportunity,” Adebayo reflected. “I’m always grateful to return, to strive to make this a habit, and to be at my third [All-Star Game], seeing the guys I started with in the league. We keep running into each other at this event.”

Adebayo is making his mark among the Miami Heat’s all-time greats by being the first player from the team to start in an All-Star game since Dwyane Wade in 2016, and joining an elite group of only six players in the franchise’s history to be selected for the All-Star game three times or more.

This prestigious list includes Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh. Adebayo expressed his honor in being associated with such legendary figures of the team.“It all comes down to respect,” Adebayo stated. “Having been selected to participate in this event three times, my goal is to make this an annual occurrence.

It’s about the respect I’ve earned from the coaches who voted for me and recognition for my contributions and who I am as a player.”