Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo stated on Thursday that he has not received an apology from Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball following an on-court incident where Ball appeared to trip him during Tuesday's game. Adebayo, who suffered a back injury from the fall, downplayed its severity but argued plays involving a "hostile act" should be reviewable.
The NBA fined Ball a total of $60,000 for the trip and for using profanity post-game. Adebayo expressed doubt that the fine would significantly impact Ball, noting the guard's high salary. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra called the play "dangerous" but defended Ball, saying he didn't believe him to be a dirty player.
Adebayo revealed the two would talk when they next meet, emphasizing their history of good conversations. When asked about a similar 2024 incident involving Ball, Adebayo remarked that only Ball knows the true intent behind the trip.