Steven Adams puts new spin on ‘the one that got away’

Back in the OKC, Steven Adams reminded reporters why he might be the best sound bite in the business.

It’s been a busy offseason for Steven Adams as he spent a good portion of it in his native New Zealand. While home, Adams spent time honing his game with hopes of taking a leap this season.

Active Kiwi:

The OKC Thunder had an active offseason trading to land Paul George, drafting Terrance Ferguson and picking up free agents Patrick Patterson and Raymond Felton. Russell Westbrook was extremely busy picking up awards, promoting his Style Breakers fashion book and enjoying being a new father.

But, perhaps the one player on the Thunder who had the busiest offseason was Steven Adams. In high demand back home Adams provided some of the best social media hits this past summer.

Whether it was local police sending trade offers to the Thunder franchise:

https://twitter.com/theScore/status/901140870698631168

Game of Thrones fans starting petitions to get the big man on the show:

Hosting charity Golf Tournaments:

Or creating a buzz simply over removed facial hair:

Building basketball popularity in New Zealand:

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Suffice to say Adams is an engaging personality who people flock to. Regardless of where Adams is located his charm and humor win over those around him. The Kiwi might be single handedly responsible for the uptick in basketball back home.

Adams popularity is part of the allure, but he’s using it to build awareness, raise money and excitement. He spent time with his local team (the Tall Blacks), even working out with the squad. Additionally, he ran clinics and camps for kids back in New Zealand which were highly successful.

Not the typical ‘one that got away’ tale:

With social media it’s far easier to keep track of players, but it isn’t the same as having first hand exposure.  Perhaps this is the most true of Steven Adams given his sense of humor. Well, he’s back with his adopted home and he didn’t fail to remind Thunder Nation, and the media in particular why he’s so beloved in OKC.

Talking with the assembled media crew Adams tells a story of his fishing trip this summer. In his usual gregarious manner Adams has reporters howling with his fishing tale. But, this epic had more to do with his explanation of the experience rather than the typical “one that got away” tale.

"“It was so bad, I caught the bait fish. “I was just being a dick. “I was just like, oh strap on” Adams hesitates for a mere second then quips ” I mean strap me up. (pause), sounds like a Saturday night.”"

By this point the media throng is roaring with laughter as Adams looks over at presumably the team media or P.R. representative and dead pans “Too much?”.

Check out the video, because the words alone don’t do it justice.

Welcome back Steven Adams – – you were definitely missed!