SURFSIDE, Fla. — They work as a team, but when it comes to such an emotional moment, they arrive as individuals.
For the Miami Heat, visiting the site of the condominium collapse in Surfside has almost become a pilgrimage, as players and coaches extend whatever spiritual and emotional support is possible.
Initially, it was guard Tyler Herro and assistant coaches Chris Quinn and Eric Glass within hours of the disaster. Then it was coach Erik Spoelstra and assistant Octavio De La Grana for a prayer service. Then team captain Udonis Haslem, with General Manager Andy Elisburg following.
And then center Bam Adebayo, who said he could not leave for Olympic training camp in Las Vegas before paying respect and offering support.
“I’m a face of the franchise, it’s the least I could do,” he said of his visit and interactions. “It’s just heartbreaking that people lost their family members like this.”
For the 23-year-old, it is a moment that hit home on multiple levels.
“My last four years, I’ve lived in a condo,” he said. “So seeing it, and it was me and my mom, and one day I could have gone to practice, and . . . you know what I mean?
“So I can only imagine what they’re going through.”
To Heat Vice President Steve Stowe, who is director of the Miami Heat charitable fund, the visits have been timed to support.
“I think Tyler’s presence really jump-started a call to action to the community,” Stowe said. “But we never wanted to be a distraction from anybody there.”
The Heat were among the initial forces behind SupportSurfside.org, with Stowe noting the fund “which delivers money directly back to those in crisis,” has now raised more than $3 million.
“While $250,000 has been our biggest donation, we’ve had more than 10,000 donors,” he said. “So it’s an entire community getting involved.”
Stowe said the Heat have made a particular effort to replenish coolers to keep beverages cold for those working in the South Florida heat. He said Heat sponsor Cafe Bustelo has maintained a presence at the site from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and also cited the efforts of World Center Kitchen, which the Arison family, owners of the Heat, have been involved with.
And then there are the personal moments experienced by members of the Heat.
“I’m lost for words, honestly. I can’t imagine,” Adebayo said of both the rubble and the memorial fence. “I’m out here just sending my condolences, just keeping faith, and telling them I’m with them. Like I said, this feels like my city. This is the least I can do.”
Although he has been out of town since before the collapse, Heat forward Jimmy Butler has donated to the fund assisting those forced to relocate.
As for Adebayo, like many from the team, the impact hit home upon arrival to the scene.
“It doesn’t really hit until you see it,” he said. “And the thing about the TV, you can turn it off or change the channel.
“You’ve got real people out here, going through this. And it’s a crazy time right now for those people. So, like I said, I’m just sending my condolences. It’s the least I can do to be out here.”
Adebayo placed flowers at the memorial fence, thanked responders and then visited The Shul of Bal Harbour, where he spoke with a man who lived in the building and escaped just prior to the collapse.
“I’m with ’em,” Adebayo said. “It’s one of those things where I leave on July 6 to go to the Olympics and I made a conscious effort to come out here and just show my respects and my condolences. So just let ‘em know, this is my city, and I’m taking this to the Olympics with me.”
While, also extending an open line to those working at the site.
“If you all need anything, you know where to find me,” he told those at the scene. “The arena is only 15 minutes away. Whatever you all need, let me know.”
As with so many, it became an emotional moment.
“I’m trying to keep it together over here,” Adebayo said amid an interview.
In spirit, he said, he will remain in Surfside, even as he moves on to Japan later this month for the Tokyo Games.
“Just know that I’m with ‘em,” he said. “I definitely appreciate ‘em. And they’re doing the best they can. That’s the least I can ask.
“Just saying a prayer, my condolences.”
———