Steven Adams has had a unique journey to the NBA than most Basketball enthusiasts might be aware of. Growing up in Rotorua, New Zealand, Steven lived a simple and ideal rural life away from the bustling busy cities. He preferred to play rugby since that was among the most popular sports in New Zealand but believed he would live out the rest of his days as a farmer. Steven eventually grew a passion for basketball thanks to his sibling Warren Adams who played for New Zealand. Along with the help of former teammate Kenny McFadden, Adams worked daily on refining and sharpening his skills in the hopes of playing for the Tall Blacks.
Steven Adams’ National Team
Despite being a great athlete and performer, Steven has surprisingly never represented Team New Zealand on the world stage, including the FIBA world cup and the Olympics.
Tall Blacks (Team New Zealand) coach Pero Cameron expressed that despite healthy conversations with Steve, he would not be debuting for New Zealand in the Philippines this August. Reports suggest that a bad knee injury in January might have played a role in Adams not being in the Squad.
Steven Adams’ Professional Career
Steven got noticed by former University of Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon after Kenny invited him to look into Steven’s game. This motivated him (Steven) to compete in emerging player tournaments like Adidas Nations camp in Los Angeles. Scouts present at the camp were impressed by how Steven performed against other recruits.
In 2011, Steven went to play for the Wellington Saints in the NBL, won the Rookie of the Year award, and returned the next year to the U.S. to attend Notre Dame Prep School. After graduating High School, Steve's next destination was the University of Pittsburgh. The rest is history.
In his freshman year at Pitt, Steven showcased his athleticism and commitment to the game by averaging 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and two blocks per game and led the Big East Conference in offensive rebounds with 4 per game.
Following collegiate basketball, Steven Adams decided to take his chances and declared for the 2013 NBA draft. He got selected early as the 13th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder and joined forces with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to further fuel anticipation for success ahead.
Throughout his NBA career thus far, Adams has proven himself as one of the league's top centers. Known for being a tenacious rebounder and defensive presence under the basket, he consistently demonstrates resilience during games while providing valuable support to teammates on offense by setting solid screens and executing precise passes.
Steven Adams' basketball journey combines dedication, perseverance, and success. From humble beginnings to becoming a highly regarded player, he serves as an inspiration for aspiring, young Kiwi athletes who wish to chase their Basketball dreams. As he continues to play the sport, there is no doubt that Steven Adams will leave behind a lasting legacy, and hopefully play for his country one day.
FAQs
A. Steve stands 6 feet 11 inches tall.
A. Steven attended the University of Pittsburgh and played in the Big East Conference.
A. Steven has played 10 seasons in the NBA, seven of them with OKC.
A. Not yet. However, Steven maintains a career average of one block per game.
