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Oklahoma City Thunder: Steven Adams remains underrated

By Albert Dadson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 19: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder backs down Meyers Leonard #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers during game three of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 19, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 19: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder backs down Meyers Leonard #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers during game three of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 19, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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While his game has gotten better each year Steven Adams of the Oklahoma City Thunder has not been able to receive the same attention as other centers.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have had two constants on their team over the last half-decade. One is Russell Westbrook and the other is Steven Adams. Adams is an underrated component on the OKC Thunder roster and in the NBA.

Steven Adams was drafted out of the University of Pittsburgh in the 2013 draft. He was drafted 12th in the first round. Adams left Pittsburgh after one year because he needed to help his family.

The scouting report on him wasn’t very high on his talent. They said that his offensive game was limited and he lacked countermoves in the post. Also, there was the fact that he wasn’t able to finish around the basket.

Adams improved in that area, making 67.3 percent of his shots at the rim this past season. He’s also been able to improve his production year in and year out to the point where he averaged close to a double-double this season with 13.9 points and 9.5 rebounds a game.

He has been one of the most consistent players for the Thunder. This year, he only had 16 games where he didn’t get double figures in scoring.

The Big Kiwi has only missed 12 games in the past four years. When he first came into the league, he only averaged 3.3 points per game as a rookie. In this season, his fifth in the league, his points per game average tied a career-high.

Adams came into the league as a player that had a limited offensive game but he has built his game up to now where his abilities are respectable on offense. The potential that the Thunder saw in him has been realized.

The Kiwi Phenom has people’s respect around the league, including former Thunder head coach Scott Brooks.

"“That guy is the strongest, most physical guy in the league.”"

That is a far cry from his scouting report when he came into the league. He was known as a player that wouldn’t get mad or physical with guys and that would lead to soft finishes around the rim. Now Adams is known as one of the most imposing forces on both sides of the floor. He has enough offense to be one of the leading scorers on the team.

When you think about players on the team that contribute to scoring on the Thunder you instantly think about Russell Westbrook and Paul George but Adams is the third option in the Thunder’s starting lineup.

That would make you wonder why he is not talked about more with the big names in the league at the center position like Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond or Nikola Jokic.

You could look at the fact that those players are the best players on their team. With what Oklahoma City’s All-Star duo does on a nightly basis, it’s easy to overlook Adams’  nightly contributions.

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If he has another season where he elevates his play as he has done year in and year out for the Thunder he should get more looks, which could lead to a rise in stature for the underrated big man.

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