Steven Adams may have only played three seasons in the NBA prior to this year, but he has already made a reputation for himself for being a tough, hard-nosed defender and an enforcer for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
And during their game on Wednesday night versus the L.A. Clippers, the 23-year-old New Zealander showed why he has that image as he showed his ability to control the paint and held his own against one of the better centers in the league today, DeAndre Jordan. Even if he only finished with two points, he more than made up for it in the rebounding department with 11 in the game and changed a lot of shots near the basket with his mere presence.
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers talked about Adams after the game and commended him for being a ringleader.
Doc on Adams: "I love the fact that he's an instigator. I don't even think he means to half the time, but he instigates stuff."
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) November 3, 2016
It is believed that Rivers said that in the best sense of the word as he knows how important he is to the Thunder, especially with Kevin Durant not playing for them anymore.
With Russell Westbrook leading the way in running the offense, it leaves the responsibility on defense to Adams, who is expected to be the team's anchor on that end. He gives toughness to the young Thunder squad which they will need if they want to be successful for years to come.
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