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The OKC Thunder Kiwi Bible – An ultimate guide to Steven Adams

By Heather Koontz

Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Kings beat the Thunder 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Kings beat the Thunder 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder - Steven Adams
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – DECEMBER 14: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a free throw against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on December 14, 2013 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  (Photo by Richard Rowe/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Steven Adams New Zealand Background:

Originally from New Zealand, he grew up in Rotorua, a tourist town on the country’s North Island. It’s a destination famous for its hills, mud pools, and geothermic activity. In fact, the Pohutu Geyser erupts multiple times a day, giving Rotorua its fitting nickname: Sulphur City.

Steven Adams
Feb 28, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) warms up prior to action against the Utah Jazz at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Growing up, Steven dreamed of becoming a farmer. He was the youngest of 18 children, all of whom share the same father—a 6’11” Englishman named Sid. Steven’s mother is from Tonga, a Polynesian kingdom in the South Pacific known for its white beaches, tropical rain forests, and coral reefs.

When it comes to the Adams family, Steven isn’t the only descendant with big bones. In fact, the average height of his male siblings is 6’9″. The women average 6’0″. And, athleticism runs in the family, too. Two of Steven’s brothers played basketball, and his sister Valerie Adams is a beloved shot-put Olympian. A two-time gold medalist, in fact.

Of course, being the youngest of 18 isn’t easy, and Steven is no exception. He once told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst:

"“My brothers bullied me so I cried a lot as a kid. It was the only defense I had. Telling them to stop wouldn’t work. The crying would bring my dad. Dad was my cavalry.”"

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