Debating whether OKC Thunder big man Steven Adams is being used enough
By Brayden Koch
As we reach the midpoint of the 2018-19 season, OKC Thunder big man Steven Adams is finally getting the recognition he deserves but is he being underutilized?
OKC Thunder star big man Steven Adams is having the best season of his career, averaging 15.5 points and 10.1 rebounds in 33.9 minutes per game. Despite the Thunder finding a steady role in the team’s rotation, many believe Adams is capable of doing much more if given the opportunity.
The only question is- would it be worth it?
Have you ever heard the phrase “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”? Well, there’s been a common trend with how Donovan uses Steven Adams. Too often we have seen the big man score 10 points in the first quarter and then not touch the ball the rest of the game. While this is partially due to the evolution of modern day basketball, it brings up a logical question. Why settle for contested jumpers when you have a reliable big man under the basket?
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This was a question that I’ve contemplated for some time but finally grasped an understanding. The OKC Thunder are one of the few NBA teams who have three reliable scorers (Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Adams). This gives them the ability to deceive teams by switching up who they go to.
Having Adams gives OKC the chance to reignite the offense when shots aren’t falling will help spread the floor.
Would it benefit the team?
While it would be nice to see Steven Adams have more of a scoring role, I don’t think it would be as beneficial to the whole team. TI writer Noah Schulte put it best in his article about Steven Adams rising value.
"That’s what makes Adams’ game sort of remarkable; he doesn’t have many tangible skills, but he does all the little things they need so well that he’s establishing himself as one of- if not the most- valuable player on the team"
As of now, the Thunder are having one of their most efficient seasons since the departure of Kevin Durant.
Next. OKC Thunder in the news: updates on All-Star voting and Nerlens Noel. dark
The primary catalyst? Steven Adams.