Oklahoma City Thunder big man Steven Adams recently joined The Lowe Post podcast for a wide-ranging discussion. Amid the conversation, the 6-11 New Zealander was asked to comment on the departure of Russell Westbrook, who was traded to the Houston Rockets this offseason.
Via Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman:
“He called me before it was even going down I think. Just gave me the heads up and all that sort of stuff. Cause you've got the business side of things, right? Everyone always says the same thing, ‘Oh, it's a business.' But I don't know how many players actually buy into that concept. But your friendship goes beyond the business side of things. In terms of handling it you're just like, ‘Oh, well. That's surprising. It's an interesting move. I hope it all works out well.'”
Adams and the Thunder faced off against Westbrook and the Rockets back in October, resulting in a 116-112 victory for Houston. Adams, a player who is known for his defensive prowess, says he didn't take it easy on his former teammate:
“Not at all,” Adams replied when asked if he took it easy on Westbrook in their first matchup on opposing teams. “Can't do that. That's disrespectful, for one. From all the years of his teachings to just go easy on him just cause he was a teammate, yeah, that's not good. I will say, I will foul him before he hits the launchpad. One-hundred percent. I don't want to risk it. Cause I know in his mind he's like, ‘Yeah, I'm gonna crack one on Steven.' I know that's what he's thinking, 100 percent. He always does those sorts of things.”
The Thunder's trade of Westbrook was met with mixed emotions. The team has struggled with consistency through the early stages of this season, as their 17-15 overall record can attest. However, they've won six of their last seven games.
Oklahoma City will be back in action on Tuesday night, when they'll serve as hosts to the Dallas Mavericks. Tip-off inside Chesapeake Energy Arena is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.
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