Bam Adebayo's historic 83-point performance against the Washington Wizards not only left a mark on the NBA record books. It also brought to the surface old statements from a former player who, years earlier, had asserted that the Miami Heat center was far more talented than many believed.

This is Michael Beasley, a former player who played for several NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers. About two years ago, Beasley spoke publicly about Adebayo's qualities and defended his level of play when he hadn't yet received widespread recognition for his offensive capabilities.

At the time, his words didn't generate much impact. However, after the 83-point performance at the Kaseya Center in Miami, that video began circulating again on social media.

Beasley described the Heat center as a player with uncommon skills for his position. "You have no idea how good Bam is," he stated at the time.

He also revealed that Adebayo was the only player who had ever outplayed him in a head-to-head matchup.

“Bam is a point guard in that big body. He puts a lot of pressure on the rim. He’s damn good.”

The former player also criticized the number of shots the center used to attempt during games: “It’s blasphemous that Bam doesn’t take 30 shots per game.”

A historic night that boosted his popularity

The performance that reignited those statements occurred in the Miami Heat’s 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards. With 83 points, Adebayo recorded the second-highest scoring total in a single game in NBA history. Only Wilt Chamberlain surpasses that mark with the 100 points he scored in 1962. During the game, the 28-year-old center made 20 of 43 field goals, seven of 22 three-point attempts, and 36 of 43 free throws. That free throw total was a league record. Until that game,Adebayo averaged 18.9 points per game during the season. His teammates constantly looked for him to have the ball during the fourth quarter of the game to try to get him to surpass the 81 points Kobe Bryant scored in 2006 against the Toronto Raptors. The player was selected by Miami with the 14th pick in the 2017 Draft and has worn only a Heat jersey ever since. Immediate Impact Among Fans and Collectors The impact of the performance was quickly felt among the team's fans. In less than 24 hours, several commemorative jerseys released by the franchise to celebrate the milestone sold out. One of the versions featured the number 83 on the back, a direct reference to the number of points scored during the game. The team's official store also reduced the price of Adebayo's jerseys to $83 during the promotion. These items typically sell for between $120 and $140.

The collectibles market also reacted to the feat. A special player card from his rookie season appeared for sale on eBay for one million dollars.

In 2024, that same card had sold at auction for $11,655.

Before the historic performance, the average price of Adebayo collectibles was $15.41, with 725 items available on the platform. The day after the game, the number of items related to the player increased to 1,233, with an average price of $47.42.

Adebayo signed a three-year, $166 million contract in 2024. He currently ranks 40th among the highest-paid players in the NBA, with an annual salary exceeding $37 million.The team's official store also reduced the price of Adebayo's jerseys to $83 during the promotion. These jerseys typically sell for between $120 and $140. The collectibles market also reacted to the feat. A special rookie card of the player appeared for sale on eBay for one million dollars. In 2024, that same card had sold at auction for $11,655. Before the historic performance, the average price of Adebayo collectibles was $15.41, with 725 items available on the platform. The day after the game, the number of items related to the player increased to 1,233, with an average price of $47.42. Adebayo signed a three-year, $166 million contract in 2024. He currently ranks 40th among the highest-paid players in the NBA, with an annual salary exceeding $37 million.The team's official store also reduced the price of Adebayo's jerseys to $83 during the promotion. These jerseys typically sell for between $120 and $140. The collectibles market also reacted to the feat. A special rookie card of the player appeared for sale on eBay for one million dollars. In 2024, that same card had sold at auction for $11,655. Before the historic performance, the average price of Adebayo collectibles was $15.41, with 725 items available on the platform. The day after the game, the number of items related to the player increased to 1,233, with an average price of $47.42. Adebayo signed a three-year, $166 million contract in 2024. He currently ranks 40th among the highest-paid players in the NBA, with an annual salary exceeding $37 million.