In season's past, Oklahoma City Thunder big man Steven Adams may have given up a few rebounds to Russell Westbrook. Now that Russ has been traded to the Houston Rockets, though, Adams admits there are times when he has to remind himself to grab the loose balls:

“Now it's just a bit more traditional sort of joint: You rebound, try to find the closest guy to outlet,” Adams told ESPN. “As opposed to Russ, bro, as soon as [teammates] see he had it, they're gone.”

According to ESPN, Adams ranked third in the NBA last season in total boxouts (713) and eighth in defensive boxouts (491). However, he ranked 58th in defensive rebounds per game (Stephen Curry averaged more). For perspective, Westbrook had 46 total boxouts last season yet managed to pull in 47 more total rebounds than Adams.

In the past, Westbrook would often grab a rebound, then quickly initiate a transition play going the other way. Now, however, it seems Adams will need to play the role of a more traditional center for the Thunder:

“It's like my guy is over here, and I'm boxing him out so far, and the ball just hits the ground,” Adams said. “Which, for a coach, is not a bad thing.

“But for practicality, obviously, someone needs to go get the f—ing ball.”

The Thunder will kick off their preseason campaign with a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. Tip-off inside Chesapeake Energy Arena is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.