Paul George opens up on Steven Adams’ special personality

Steven Adams might be the piece that keeps Paul George with the OKC Thunder past this season.

It’s been a heartwarming couple of days for the OKC Thunder. After losing in a close game to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City has spent their off-days practicing and making public appearances. Steven Adams and Patrick Patterson visited the Science Museum. The whole team attended multiple events together, including Russell Westbrook’s annual bowling event. My personal favorite moment from the past few days, however, is hearing Paul George speak on his relationship with Steven Adams.

During yesterday’s media availability George made a few remarks on the Thunder’s enforcer down low. The highlights include (in no particular ranking”:

1. “Going against him I thought he was some cocky arrogant dude who always just wanted to start trouble.”
2. “I just thought he was one of those bigs that every opportunity he wanted problems.”
3. “He’s actually a great dude, an incredible teammate. He’s actually pretty funny. He does want those problems down there – that’s still true – but it’s him being a physical player.”
4. “He’s just a special individual that you have to get to know to have an opinion on.”

Okay I lied – that last quote has me feeling some type of way. George and Westbrook’s relationship has been under the microscope for good reason, leaving OKC’s established role players alone to create a bond George may not want to break. PG and Melo have both lauded Adams throughout the course of the season, showing the world just how important/talented the 24-year old is.

Even more important is the fact that Adams – like Westbrook – is locked down for the next few years.

Superstars win championships. But elite role players with their own special skillset are required for those superstars to flourish. Adams, along with Andre Roberson, brings that to the Thunder. While it’s unknown whether or not George will re-sign with OKC, hearing him vocalize his appreciation for the Thunder big is refreshing to hear for a fanbase that is grasping for good news.

It’s also refreshing to hear the Adams we know is the exact same person in the locker room.