“I actually eat more, New Zealand has better food – sorry America.” Was the response, from a very disrespectful Steven Adams, on whether he eats more during the offseason.
The laid-back Kiwi again stole the show at the Oklahoma City Thunder Media Day in what’s becoming an annual affair.
Sporting a new caveman look, which he appears set on retaining past media day and into the NBA season:
“I’m keeping everything. I’m just letting myself go.”
The 22-year-old New Zealander continued the fun vibes when asked what areas of his game he worked on most during the offseason, Adams – a career 53 percent free-throw shooter – replied with a broad smile:
“Free-throws, a lot of free-throws”
He took a brief time-out from his comedic routine when asked about his first impressions of new head coach Billy Donovan:
“Genuine guy who really cares about what we are trying to accomplish here.”
Locked in a battle with Enes Kanter for the starting Center role, you can forgive him for trying to butter up the new skipper, but he also said nice things about his competition.
“I think we complement each other. We have the same mindsets really … he’s definitely a skilled big, a good dude.” Adams replied when asked about Enes Kanter.
Talk about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer.
The big Kiwi, and now master tactician, needs all the help he can get in beating out Kanter. The Thunder didn’t hand the big man from Turkey a $70 million contract to sit on the bench. He’ll be given plenty of opportunities to prove his worth.
That’s not to say Steven Adams doesn’t have a shot at the starting role. He, along with his legion of fans in New Zealand, will be hoping Billy Donovan values his superior defensive game over Kanter’s offense.
The battle to be the starting Center for the Oklahoma City Thunder might be too close to call, however, the battle to be the funniest Oklahoma City Center was won in a landslide.
He may not fancy American cuisine, but with his media day performances he’s still Americas favourite 7-foot amateur comedian.
Next: 25 Best Players to Play for the Oklahoma City Thunder
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