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NBA: Second-Year Players Showing Signs of Progress

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 5, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) dribbles up the court during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) dribbles up the court during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) drives past Philadelphia 76ers forward Brandon Davies (0) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) drives past Philadelphia 76ers forward Brandon Davies (0) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder

Drafted: Round 1, No. 12

Position: Center

Age: 21

2014-15 Slash Line: .496/.000/.509

2014-15 Season Averages: 11.40 PER, 25.0 MPG, 7.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG

The Oklahoma City Thunder made the long-awaited decision to replace Kendrick Perkins in the starting lineup. The easiest choice was second-year center Steven Adams, who was selected No. 12 overall in the 2013 NBA draft.

Thus far, he’s been impressive.

The 21-year-old is currently averaging 7.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 25.0 minutes per contest. Perkins, meanwhile, has increased his scoring, rebounding and blocks numbers from a season ago in a bench role.

All in all, this decision has benefited both players.

Adams still struggles with his free throw shooting and general fundamentals, but his energy is infectious. Even when he’s fouling—something he does too often, by most accounts—he’s providing a physical edge down low with an added burst of athleticism.

It’s a major reason why OKC is No. 9 in opponent field goal percentage from within five feet and No. 3 from 5-to-9 feet.

According to NBA.com, Adams is holding opponents to 46.7 percent shooting when he meets them at the rim. That comes as he faces 7.6 such shots per game, which establishes a strong basis for evaluating his paint protection.

While this is far from a legacy-defining season, it’s been strong enough for OKC to believe in his upside alongside Serge Ibaka.

Next: Slowly and Steadily Improving