While watching the second Dallas Mavericks preseason game, my opinion that the OKC Thunder cannot trade Steven Adams was reinforced.
The OKC Thunder played the Dallas Mavericks for the second time in the preseason and the results couldn’t have been more polar opposite. After easily winning the first game 119-104 with Steven Adams and Chris Paul playing, with both of them sitting tonight it was a far different story.
The Mavericks, who sat both Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic in the first game, had their full lineup in the second game. The difference was there for all to see. The Mavericks controlled the opening tip and never relinquished that lead winning 107-70.
One of the first things that stood out to me from early in the first quarter was that the Mavericks big men were wreaking havoc with OKC on the boards. Kristaps Porzingis, Maxi Kleber and Boban Marjanovic all gave the impression of grown men playing against teenagers. I do not mean any disrespect to Nerlens Noel or Justin Patton, but when Adams is on the court, there is no one in the league who can move him.
However, it is not just the rebounding where Adams has a positive impact on the OKC Thunder. The main area I see Adams benefitting the team is on offense. That may seem a little weird given he was drafted 12th as a defensive center, but he is simply more impactful on offense. Why is that? For one thing, it’s his ability to use his body to free up teammates.
Adams sets the best screen in the NBA. He works on it with every player so that he can set the screen at the precise angle to get his guy the best shot. He is also always running towards the hoop after setting the screen, taking away defenders from the pick area.
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Then there is the footwork Adams has developed in the post. If he gets the ball within three feet of the hoop there is almost no one in the NBA with the ability to stop him, especially when he starts hitting those bunnies he sometimes misses. Occasionally Adams attracts double teams, and when he does, he can kick the ball out to an open shooter.
Then there is also Adams ability to get into position for the offensive rebound. Last season Adams was second in the league with 4.9 per game. It is very hard for the opposition to get out in transition when two or more of their players must focus on keeping Adams off the offensive boards. This allows the OKC Thunder to set up on transition or half-court defense, especially as Adams runs harder than most players in the league, allowing him to also get back.
With all these attributes and so many other little things, I want to see Billy Donovan mouth the words “Can’t trade Adams.”
Steven Adams keeps the OKC Thunder relevant and while I understand there is a rebuild going on, players need to know how to win as well as lose. Adams will be the difference in a number of games this season for the OKC Thunder.