Just like others before them, the Oklahoma City Thunder used the NBA Draft as a tool to fast track their rebuild. Not only did they find success by selecting Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and James Harden from 2007 to 2009, but they also used the 12th pick in 2013 to select current starting center, Steven Adams.
While many experts believed that he was one of the best young prospects of the time, apparently, not everybody was ecstatic that Adams fell to the Thunder.
In his new book entitled, “My Life. My Fight.” the New Zealand native shares what Durant’s initial reaction to this news was, as reported by NBA on ESPN.
In his book, Steven Adams recalls KD's initial reaction to him being drafted by OKC. pic.twitter.com/7hlrFfh5H2
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 3, 2018
It’s still unclear why Durant tweeted that because the Thunder had a gaping hole at center. At that time, they were forced to deploy former champion Kendrick Perkins, long-time player Nick Collison, and former second overall pick Hasheem Thabeet to patrol the paint.
Drafting Adams immediately gave them an upgrade at that position and only deepened their talent pool further. Although initially quite raw, Adams' arrival also gave them a starting-caliber big man that wasn’t scared to mix it up down low.
Still, all this is probably water under the bridge now as Durant has moved on to the Golden State Warriors, while Adams has developed into one of the best young centers in the NBA. The toughness and tenacity he brings, especially on the defensive end, is invaluable to the success of the Thunder.
There’s no doubt that Steven Adams probably used this as motivation to become better; and now that this message has resurfaced, it will be very interesting to see what happens when the Thunders and the Warriors meet again next season.
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