Steven Adams Bio
Steven Funaki Paea He Ofa Ki Loa Adams is a New Zealand professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A center, Adams has played for four NBA teams since making his NBA debut in 2013. After playing one season with the Wellington Saints in New Zealand in 2011, Adams moved to the United States in 2012 to play college basketball for the University of Pittsburgh. He played for the Panthers for one season and was then selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft. Following the 2013-14 season, Adams was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In November 2020, after seven years in Oklahoma City, Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, and later to the Memphis Grizzlies in August 2021, before being traded to the Rockets in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Steven Adams was born on 20 July 1993 in Rotorua, New Zealand, to a Tongan mother, Lilika Ngauamo, and an English father, Sid Adams. Sid Adams served in the Royal Navy and stood at 2.11 meters (6 ft 11 in) tall. Adams grew up in a large family, with two of his half-sisters, Dame Valerie Adams and Lisa Adams, achieving success in athletics. Valerie is a dual Olympic gold medallist in shot put, while Lisa is a para-athlete who has won gold at the Paralympics. Adams’ brothers, Warren and Sid Jr., also played basketball in the New Zealand National Basketball League. Adams’ mother passed away from cancer in 2000, and his father died of stomach cancer in 2007 when Adams was just 13 years old. The loss of his father had a profound impact on his life, leading to a period of instability during his teenage years.
After the death of his father, Adams was taken in by Blossom Cameron, who became his legal guardian and introduced him to basketball legend Kenny McFadden. Under McFadden’s mentorship, Adams attended Scots College in Wellington, where he was encouraged to focus on his education while pursuing basketball. Adams graduated from Scots College in December 2011, successfully passing through the NCAA Clearinghouse, which allowed him to pursue college basketball in the United States.
Path to Basketball
Following his graduation, Adams spent a semester at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to acclimate to American basketball before enrolling at the University of Pittsburgh in June 2012. During his lone season at Pittsburgh, he was named the Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year and earned a spot on the Big East All-Rookie Team. Adams started all 32 games in the 2012–13 season, averaging 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. After this successful season, he declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
Steven Adams Career
Early Career (2011-2013)
Adams began his professional career with the Wellington Saints in the New Zealand National Basketball League in 2011. He played one season with the Saints, where he was named the NZNBL Rookie of the Year and helped the team win the championship, averaging 5.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 15 games. His performance caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection in the 2013 NBA draft.
On 27 June 2013, Adams was selected with the 12th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder, becoming the first New Zealander to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft. He signed his rookie scale contract with the Thunder on 12 July 2013. Adams made his NBA debut on 30 October 2013, recording two points and three rebounds in a victory over the Utah Jazz. He finished his rookie season appearing in 81 games and averaging 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds.
Breakthrough (2014-2020)
Adams’ breakthrough season came in 2014 when he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He continued to improve his performance, recording a career-high six blocks in a game against the Houston Rockets on 16 November 2014. On 25 December 2014, he scored a season-high 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs. Adams established himself as a key player for the Thunder, known for his rebounding and defensive skills.
Throughout his tenure with the Thunder, Adams consistently contributed to the team’s success, including a standout performance in the 2016 playoffs, where he helped the Thunder reach the Western Conference Finals. He signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Thunder on 31 October 2016, solidifying his position with the team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Adams is recognized for his elite offensive rebounding and defensive capabilities, earning respect throughout the league for his strength and work ethic. He has been a vital player for every team he has played for, contributing significantly to their playoff runs and overall success.
Steven Adams Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Steven Adams has received several nominations, including being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2014.
Steven Adams Awards Won
Steven Adams has achieved notable accolades, including being named the NZNBL Rookie of the Year in 2011 and the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2014.
Steven Adams Family
Steven Adams comes from a large family, with several siblings involved in athletics. His father, Sid Adams, had a significant influence on his life, despite his passing when Adams was a teenager. His mother, Lilika Ngauamo, also played a crucial role in his upbringing until her death in 2000.
Personal Life
Adams enjoys playing video games, particularly Dota 2 and Smite. He is known for his sense of humor and humility, earning respect from his peers in the NBA. In 2018, he released his autobiography, “Steven Adams: My Life, My Fight,” co-written with journalist Madeleine Chapman. Adams has also been featured in documentaries discussing his family’s athletic legacy, particularly focusing on his sister, Valerie Adams.
