Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti says starting center Steven Adams is a “game changer” for the team due to his unselfish nature and unique intangibles.
Adams, who grew up in New Zealand, is a big fan of the “All Blacks,” a famous rugby team. They are known for their smart play, tenacity, selflessness, and team spirit — three characteristics which define Adams as well.
While speaking to reporters at his annual preseason press conference in Oklahoma City Thursday, Presti spoke highly of Adams and said like “The All Blacks in New Zealand,” Adams is a cerebral talent.
“When Steven plays like an ‘All Black' for us, he's a game changer, and the good thing is he's willing to do those things that don't get recognized,” Presti said, via Marc Hinton of The Dominion Post. “He's a game changer for us in controllable areas. It doesn't have to be a hot shooting night. He doesn't necessarily need someone else to get him going. He can do these things and help a team win.
“In great teams, it's all about the grey area and things in between, and I think Steven Adams represents that. We expect him to take another jump this year, but just being consistent in those areas as an ‘All Black-type' player, he affects the team and his mentality affects the team because he's trying to do the right things all the time.”
In 2016, Steven Adams signed a four-year, $100 million extension with the Thunder. He had the best statistical season of his career last year, averaging 13.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting 62.9 percent from the field.
Adams revealed this summer in his autobiography that he had to overcome bouts of depression on his long and winding path to the NBA. The 25-year-old’s fighting spirit has allowed him to get through some dark times and become one of the best centers in the NBA.
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