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Coming into what's primed to be an exciting new season for Oklahoma City Thunder faithful, it won't be Russell Westbrook and Paul George cashing in the highest, but rather Westbrook and Steven Adams, who inked to a four-year, $100 million extension early last season.
His $22.4 million salary earnings is bound to put a different level of pressure and accountability. To Adams it's not about the money he makes, but making every possible sacrifice to meet a common goal. Winning.
Article Continues Below“There's much bigger things we have to do and worry about other than ‘oh I'm getting paid this much, I have to shoot this much,' or whatever it is,” Adams told Erik Horne of The Oklahoman when asked if his increased salary factors into his personal expectations. “Everyone's goal is the main goal. You have to make any sort of sacrifice, anything you have to do for the team.
“I might be wrong, mate, but that's pretty much my mindset.”
Adams went from being the 39th highest-paid center in the league to the eighth-best paid big dipper. Adams is the only one who hasn't made either an All-Star team or been named to an NBA All-Defensive team at least once among the league's 10 best-paid centers.
The New Zealand native is also the youngest of the list, creating plenty of opportunities for growth in his game. With George likely getting his share of shots in the rotation, Adams' role will be comprised of energy and efficiency — getting extra possessions and making the most of them.
While the pressure to live up to his contract is relative to the team around him, Adams could easily merit the big check by just doing the little things he's asked to do and fitting in well with this new-look squad.
