Hollywood star Adam Sandler is famous for his performances in comedy movies. But the star has also showcased a natural athletic ability that has been depicted in several of his most successful films. From football to golf, Sandler is adept at numerous sports, but his skills as a basketball player have been particularly noteworthy.
Videos of Sandler playing pickup basketball have gone viral on multiple occasions, even garnering the attention of NBA legends like Shaquille O’Neal, who acknowledged the actor’s skills.
In a recent video, Sandler was seen playing a game with some players from the Miami Heat squad at a Heat practice facility, and some of his plays were truly highlight-worthy.
Paired with Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., Sandler showcased tremendous court vision and passing ability, albeit against a very relaxed defense. Regardless, his skills caught the eye of NBA fans on social media, who were in awe of the actor’s ability.
“I’d play him over Terry,” stated one fan, taking a shot at Heat guard Terry Rozier.
“We found our Terry replacement,” chimed another.
“New White Chocolate. Fit goes hard too,” complimented another, while comparing Sandler to NBA legend Jason Williams.
“Give him a 10-day just for those passes,” suggested another.
“Looking like Luka with those passes,” said one user, making comparisons to Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic.
“Step aside, Tyler Herro,” joked another.
“We found our starting PG, move over Herro,” supported another fan.
“Yeah…we do need a point guard…” stated another fan, seemingly dissatisfied with Miami’s current roster.
One user made an accurate assessment of Sandler’s appearance and his skills and added, “He’s one of those dudes at the YMCA that casually goes and drops 20 and 8 and drives home in his Corolla.”
“I’m here for Adam Sandler to fix the Heat,” added another fan, hoping for some additions to the roster.
The reactions from the fans feature a blend of awe and a general concern for the Heat’s backcourt rotation heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
Miami has aimed to improve its wing and backcourt depth this summer. With the addition of Norman Powell and the re-signing of Davion Mitchell and Dru Smith, the Heat have built solid depth in their overall backcourt. But some concerns remain.
While Tyler Herro has shown significant growth as a franchise player over the last season, playmaking isn’t his greatest asset, although he is capable of it. A similar situation arose with Rozier, who has since become dispensable due to his limitations as a facilitator.
The Heat may need to address their shortcomings in the point guard slot at some point in the season, but there is a likelihood that they may only do so later in the campaign. Having drafted a gifted young point guard in Kasparas Jakucionis, Miami may provide its rookie with some opportunities in the rotation to establish a firm footing.
Given the availability of youth talent on this team, the Heat may benefit from cultivating this talent over time rather than making sudden changes to form a title-contending squad. In this regard, being patient with Jakucionis’ development may be a step in the right direction.
