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OKC Thunder: Re-grading the Steven Adams 2013 draft pick

By Rylan Stiles

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 17: Steven Adams and General Manager Sam Presti of the Oklahoma City Thunder speak to media at a press conference during the New Zealand Basketball Academy Launch at ASB Sports Centre on August 17, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 17: Steven Adams and General Manager Sam Presti of the Oklahoma City Thunder speak to media at a press conference during the New Zealand Basketball Academy Launch at ASB Sports Centre on August 17, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder: Steven Adams #12 guards Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during an opening night game (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder have enjoyed a ton of success from the center spot thanks to Steven Adams

The 12th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, paid off in a big way. Not only did Steven Adams earn 2013-14 All-Rookie honors, but he has gone on to have a good career that saw a few seasons that he borderlines on being an All-Star.

Adams has a game only a fanbase can love. Non-OKC Thunder fans, that do not watch the team night in and night out, do not understand what he brings on the floor. That is the biggest reason why he likely will never be on the All-Star stage.

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When you watch Steven Adams play, what comes to mind is a guy who loves to do the dirty work. In general, we associate that with someone who is not as talented, or can not play in the NBA but gives enough effort and does whatever it takes to stick around.

However, Steven Adams is the perfect mix. He has the heart and hustle of a scrappy second-round draft pick that wants to cling to their hoop dreams for as long as possible while having the talent of the 12th overall pick in the draft.

The big man has a career average of 9.8 points, seven rebounds, a block, and almost a steal per contest. In the last two years he set career highs in points per game (13.9 points).

From his stellar defense, especially on back end rotations, he made former Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook‘s job easier, allowing him to play the passing lanes as much as he pleased.

Adams has also turned into a top roll-man in pick-and-roll settings, which is helped by the fact that it seems universal that Adams sets the hardest screen in the NBA.

It is amazing the New Zealand native is still just 26 years old, with more room to grow. While he will not make a huge leap, his game is not done evolving. We know he has been working to extend his range and stretch the floor. If he adds that to his game, watch out.

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