Five takeaways from the Thunder’s blowout loss in Houston

5. Steven Adams has not made a “leap” this year

Here’s the thing – Steven Adams has made improvement this year. He’s scoring almost four more points per game while increasing his averages in almost every statistical category. That’s to be expected for a fourth-year player though, especially considering the loss of Kevin Durant’s production. Adams’ skillset has expanded to include a six-to-twelve foot floater as well as a few isolation post moves; that’s why the minimal progress is so alarming.

Not all of it is Adams’ fault. His 16.2% usage rate is only a 3.5% percent increase from last season. But that doesn’t make up for the slippage on the defensive end from the Big Kiwi.

MUST READ: The Kiwi Bible – The ultimate guide to Steven Adams

Adams was given a $100 million contract this offseason to be the defensive anchor of this team. After seeing how he affected the Golden State offense with his ability to switch onto guards the move made sense.

Enter the Houston Rockets, the league’s preeminent stretch offense. In the first three games of the season Adams did a solid job neutralizing the quick Houston guards; yesterday he was lost.

The scary part is that it didn’t seem like he wasn’t even trying. Adams fell for every pump fake and hesitation dribble – he basically looked like Enes Kanter on the defensive end. Apparently Billy Donovan agreed because he rightfully played Kanter in place of Adams in the fourth quarter.

This month the Big Kiwi has only averaged six shots per game. It’s possible his lack of touches is leading to a lack of energy on the defensive end. A similar thing happened to OKC’s last young big, a guy by the name of Serge Ibaka.

OKC invested the money into the 23-year old, it’s time they give him an opportunity to live up to that deal.