Steven Adams has been a rather underrated presence in the Memphis Grizzlies' rise to the top. The former Thunder and Pelicans center won't ever wow you with dazzling post moves, but he's a great interior presence who can defend the rim and create plays for others on the high post. Plus, his screens are a nightmare to run into.
The Grizzlies' trashing of the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night is a perfect representation of his impact on the team. Steven Adams' all-around statline of six points, 17 rebounds (!!!), six assists, three steals, and three blocks is a statline matched by only two other players: Karl-Anthony Towns and “Big Ben” Wallace himself. (via NBA.com/Stats)
Steven Adams tonight:
6 PTS
17 REB (9 offensive)
6 AST
3 STL
3 BLKThe only players to reach these thresholds in the past 20 seasons are Karl-Anthony Towns and Ben Wallace! pic.twitter.com/u7kwBXTlCZ
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) March 25, 2022
Adams has always had great touch and vision as a passer, even when he was in Oklahoma City. However, due to Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant's playstyles, that never got to be seen by many people. However, in Memphis, Adams has been one of the better passing big men, able to find cutters and open men from the high post.
Of course, Adams' biggest value lies in his defense and screens. The New Zealander's reputation has always been a bruising big man who can defend the paint and other back-to-the-basket bigs. That hasn't changed with the Grizzlies. His screens are also helpful in opening up his teammates (particularly Ja Morant).
The Grizzlies are the NBA's biggest surprise this season. Despite minimal changes to their roster, they morphed from a play-in contender to a legitimate Finals candidate. This is already a massive overachievement for this team, and what's crazy is that they can take this success all the way to a Finals win if the stars align for them.
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