Oklahoma City Thunder: Players Who Will Shine Without Kevin Durant

4. Steven Adams

Position: Center
Age: 23 (7/20/1993)
2015-16 Slash Line: .613/.000/.582
2015-16 Season Averages: 25.2 MPG, 8.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.7 ORPG, 1.1 BPG

Though the James Harden trade remains a poorly executed maneuver, landing Steven Adams was one of Sam Presti’s best moves. Adams is a defensive monster whose energy, size, athleticism, and physicality are a major part of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s identity.

Without Kevin Durant on the roster, Adams’ offensive role should expand and his value should be established in a stronger manner in 2016-17.

Adams held opponents to just 42.0 percent shooting from the field in 2015-16—5.2 percent lower than their average field goal percentage. That includes a decline of 5.9 percent from six feet and within, 7.3 percent from 10 feet and within, and 4.0 percent from 15 feet and beyond.

Oklahoma City posted a defensive rating of 99.0 with Adams on the floor and 107.1 without him—further evidence that, at 23 years of age, he’s already an elite defensive player.

With elite defense already on his side, Adams will have a chance to prove himself offensively in 2016-17. He’s physically capable of scoring via the pick-and-roll, and has shown signs of being a capable post player.

Though others may get more touches, Adams should finally receive the respect he deserves in 2016-17.

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