Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo still hasn’t received the trophy.

Adebayo came in third place on Tuesday in the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year competition. He was the cornerstone of the Heat’s defense this season, averaging 10.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks. Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves won, and Victor Wembanyama, a rookie for the San Antonio Spurs, finished second.

Adebao keeps developing as a defender regardless of the outcome of the vote. He stated he is still improving at his last week’s exit interview.

Adebayo stated, “I would say to be in the right place at the right time, work smarter instead of harder.” “I believe that was a paradigm change for me—being able to assist individuals before certain circumstances arise, walk everyone through a plan, and impart that plan. I believe I accomplished that quite well. I assumed that many men were aware of the coverages we currently use.

Since being picked in 2017, Adebayo has improved as a player every season, according to Heat team president Pat Riley.

Riley stated on Monday, “Bam’s growth from his rookie year to what he is right now has been off the charts.” “Everyone is aware of his abilities, his contributions to the team, and his multifaceted importance. He must therefore up his game as well. We are glad to have him as an all-NBA player.