Name: Steven Adams
Number: 12
Height: 7’
Weight: 250lbs
Position: Center
2013-14 Season: 81 games (20 starts), 14.8mpg, 3.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 0.7bpg, 50.3fg%
2013-14 Playoffs: 18 games (0 starts), 18.4mpg, 3.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3bpg, 68.9fg%
Background: After being selected with the twelfth pick in the 2013 draft out of the University of Pittsburgh, expectations were pretty low for Steven Adams in Oklahoma City. The native New Zealander who moved to the states to play one season at Notre Dame Prep in Massachusetts before playing one season at Pitt was relatively unknown outside of the hardcore basketball junkies. During his time at Pitt he played pretty well, averaging 7.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He also became one of the fan favorites in the famous Oakland Zoo student section because of his high energy play, the same type of play that Thunder fans fell in love with last year.
In his rookie season with the Thunder, Adams was one of the biggest surprises among the rookie class. He was able to make an immediate impact when he stepped on the floor because of his energy and intensity. He was limited offensively most of the time and was inconsistent on defense, but from the very beginning it was clear that he could be an elite rebounder. His motor never stops and his beastly frame gives his the power to toss fellow big men aside to grab rebounds. He also has a knack for getting under the skin of opposing players, often resulting in poor play or even technical fouls.
Offensive Impact: As stated in the previous section, Adams offensive impact was very limited during his rookie season. A majority of his baskets came off offensive rebounds and put backs. Although there wasn’t much production, there was signs that he could develop in to a solid offensive player.
In terms of his impact this season, it is still somewhat unknown. It is likely that he will see more playing time as the team gets ready to move on from Kendrick Perkins who is in the last year of his contract.
Defensive Impact: His rookie season was a roller coaster when it came to the defensive end. There were times when he looked like a good defensive center, but that isn’t very hard when playing next to guys like Serge Ibaka and Nick Collison. There were also times when, like many rookies, the young big man looked very lost. This was most noticeable during the time that Kendrick Perkins was out with injury. Adams was forced to step in during this time and the Thunder defense struggled tremendously.
In the playoffs the Big Kiwi seemed to take a step forward defensively. He showed that he could be a presence in the paint in terms of blocking shots, especially in the opening series against Memphis when he blocked a career high five shots in game six.
X-Factor: Once again Adams best asset to the Thunder will be his energy this season. If he is able to come off the bench and provide consistent intensity, changing the tone of the game by grabbing rebounds and using his physicality, he will play a huge role in many wins for this team.
Overall: Adams is one of the toughest to judge when it comes to his overall impact on the entire team. After a surprising rookie season and a full off-season, there is reason to believe he could make a big leap in his second season in Oklahoma City. There is also a chance that he never gets the playing time to do so. It’s very well known how stubborn Scott Brooks has been over the years with Kendrick Perkins. Although many teams wouldn’t hesitate to play a young gun like Adams to prepare him for life after Perkins, the Thunder aren’t most teams. Because they are in the hunt for a title every season and Brooks is on the hot seat, he will likely stick with Perkins because of the trust he has in him on the defensive end. If not, Adams may be primed to take over the starting spot by midseason, especially if Perkins expiring contract is moved at some point to make another addition to the team.
Either way, look for Steven Adams to continue to be a Thunder fan favorite and develop in to a solid NBA center.