OKC Thunder big man Steven Adams plays out a true life – you had to be there moment with a fan’s family member in New Zealand.
Steven Adams has been in the news quite a bit recently. First of all there is his autobiography – Steven Adams: My Life, My Fight. Excerpts from the book have made the rounds with both entertaining Adams-esque antidotes and stories even OKC Thunder fans were never aware of.
Take for example Adams admiration of Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs. Adams notes he wasn’t overly familiar with many NBA players and not someone who followed many teams. The lone exception is his borderline worship of Pops. Adams noted he had hoped he’d be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. Moreover, he revealed the first time he got the opportunity to get up close and personal with Pops he hugged him and smelled his hair. Don’t ask me what the relevance was about the scent of his hair – but it’s a humorous tidbit nonetheless.
Steven Adams is a celebrity in his own right, particularly in his native New Zealand. Only two players in the NBA are actively playing — Adams and Boston Celtics big man Aron Baynes.
But, even the most popular athlete from a country isn’t known by everyone.
NBA Players are celebrities:
In the modern era of the NBA many of the top players have gained celebrity status. Much of this is due to the massive market for sneakers and brand endorsement. Social media adding another component. The result is athletes are more popular and well known that at any time in history.
For players who come out of out countries they can take on cult like status. Take for example Zaza Pachulia who gave some of the Association’s best players a run for their money to be voted in as a starter in the All-Star Game.
One such player with similar national recognition and admiration is OKC Thunder big man Steven Adams. However, this past weekend a funny tweet made the rounds.
Amazing. Had no idea anyone in New Zealand was unaware of Steven Adams. https://t.co/6R8Bco7Cug
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) August 12, 2018
Although it’s difficult to miss an NBA player given their sheer height, particularly those in the 7′ range. Well one lady in New Zealand didn’t know who Adams was, but after her family showed her pictures fate stepped in as she ended up quite literally running in to him at the airport. Now she’s the envy of her entire family I’m sure.