​MIAMI — Miami Heat captain Bam Adebayo addressed many topics at a back-to-school event at the Pérez Art Museum Miami on Tuesday afternoon. But he did not want to discuss the altercation he had with former teammate Tyler Herro.After spending the early part of the event taking pictures with kids and families, shooting some hoops and handing out backpacks to children, Adebayo addressed the media for the first time since the Heat were at the forefront of several offseason headlines.On July 10, news broke that Adebayo had gotten into a physical altercation with Herro, where Adebayo reportedly struck Herro in the head area. Since the event, Herro has commented, saying that he just wants to move on from the incident and is ready to return home and play for the Milwaukee Bucks. However, Adebayo did not address the incident Tuesday, stating he only wished to talk about the back-to-school event.However, the Heat star did address some of the major developments surrounding the team in recent weeks. The Heat secured former Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade that sent Herro, among others, to Milwaukee.Adebayo said he couldn’t be happier playing alongside Antetokounmpo.“Everybody’s seen the battles that we have,” he said. “So I’m excited for the season. I’m excited to be his teammate. I’m excited for what the city of Miami has, the energy we gain and we’re looking to take that momentum into the season.”The tandem forms one of the most elite duos in the NBA and are two of the biggest reasons for optimism for the Heat’s upcoming season.While landing Antetokounmpo was a major win for the organization, the Heat missed out on LeBron James, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. James was rumored to be considering the Heat as one of his top options in free agency, but ultimately decided to sign a two-year deal with Philadelphia.Adebayo, who said he and James are close friends, was not disappointed in James’ decision to sign with the Sixers.“No disappointment,” he said. “People should always be happy for a person in their decision. He made a decision what he feels like is his best situation.”Despite losing out on James, Adebayo is optimistic about the Heat’s chances in what certainly will be a hotly contested Eastern Conference.“It’s going to be an exciting season; I’m excited for the East,” Adebayo said. “We got a whole new turnaround; it’s going to be exciting.”
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and team mascot Burnie take part in a back-to-school event at the Pérez Art Museum Miami on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The event was put on by the Little Lighthouse Foundation for 3,500 underserved children and families. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo takes part in a back-to-school event at the Pérez Art Museum Miami on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The event was put on by the Little Lighthouse Foundation for 3,500 underserved children and families. (Mike Stocker/South Flori