Adebayo takes Heat rebounding record from Haslem in season opener win

Bam Adebayo became the Miami Heat's all-time leader in rebounds during a 129-117 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. The center secured his 5,794th career rebound in the contest, surpassing Udonis Haslem's franchise mark of 5,791. This win also ended the Heat's four-game losing streak to start the season.

Haslem held the team record since November 2012. He played 20 seasons in Miami and served as team captain until his retirement. Adebayo assumed the captaincy role after Haslem left the league. The Heat selected Adebayo with the No. 14 pick in the 2017 NBA draft out of Kentucky.

Adebayo spoke to reporters on the court in Atlanta after the final buzzer. A member of the Heat staff pinned the game ball to him during the interview. "Man, I can't really put it into words," Adebayo said. "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."

Coach Erik Spoelstra praised Adebayo's physical approach to the game. Spoelstra noted that Adebayo achieved the record through consistent effort in crowded areas. "He's done it with an iron will, a work ethic that's unmatched," Spoelstra said. "To be able to do it and break the record of his brother, UD, that's a really special moment."

Adebayo ranks second on the Heat's all-time scoring list behind Dwyane Wade. He is third in assists and steals and fifth in blocked shots. Only nine players in the league have grabbed more rebounds since the 2017-18 season, which was Adebayo's rookie year.

Adebayo recorded nine rebounds in the win against Atlanta. He previously posted an 83-point game last season, the second-highest scoring total in NBA history. "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 Heat have one game remaining in their current stretch before their next scheduled contest. Adebayo will look to extend his rebounding total in the upcoming fixture.