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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 – SEPTEMBER 23: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder poses for a portrait during 2016 NBA Media Day on September 23, 2016 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Coif:

We know his hair has grown. His mustache has grown (into a beard). His game has grown (rebounds and free throw percentages offer prime examples). But, there’s even more to Steven Adams when it comes to change.

Take, for instance, his tattoos. When he entered the league, Steven was more or less tattoo-free. His only ink, the scripted “Funaki” on his forearm, represents his middle name, a tie to both family and heritage. Soon after playing professionally, he further adorned the area. In 2014, he told writer Erik Horne that the tattoo looked “lonely.”

"“I didn’t know it was going to be this much, honestly. I just told this dude, and he freehanded all of it really…It’s all based around my family and family value. That’s usually how tattoos work down there, the culture.”"

Now, about two-and-a-half years later, he sports a full sleeve of cultural designs. He’s only an arm and a neck away from Birdman.

Sep 28, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) poses for photos during media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) poses for photos during media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Of course, Steven Adams’ salary has also grown—perhaps the most exciting growth of all for the 23-year-old. When he started playing with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2013, Steven took home a salary of $2.09 million per year. For this 2016-2017 season, he received a slight raise to $3.14 million.

But, 2017 and beyond is where the real magic happens. Steven recently signed a contract extension, exchanging his allegiance to Oklahoma City for a salary of $22.47 million a year.

For those counting, that’s a salary increase of 615%. Perhaps those haircuts don’t sound so expensive anymore?

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