Steven Adams will be playing his first game as an opponent of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. Ahead of their upcoming matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Thunder posted a hilarious tribute video for Adams on Twitter.
Welcome back, mate 🤙 pic.twitter.com/3jHKZK1XPK
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 31, 2020
The video begins by showing a young Adams when he was a rookie with the Thunder in 2013-14. Throughout the video, it shows some highlights, along with some funny clips that Adams took part in during his tenure in Oklahoma City.
Before facing his former team for the first time, Adams answered how he was treating this game in a way only he could describe.
“Should be fine, mate,” Adams said Wednesday, via Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. “Just another basketball game, really. Should be good to see some familiar faces and whatnot.”
Adams was selected by the Thunder with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft out of Pittsburgh. The New Zealand native instantly became a fan favorite with his down-under accent and his effort plays on the floor.
The Pittsburgh product would spend seven seasons with the Thunder, helping them make the playoffs in six of his season with the franchise. Even though he wasn't a dynamic scorer, Adams contributed in a lot of areas that didn't show up in a box score.
Altogether, in his seven years with Oklahoma City, Adams compiled 9.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and one block per game. His best season came in 2018-19 when he posted a career-high 13.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game for the Thunder.
After seven seasons with Oklahoma City, with the organization gearing toward a rebuild, Adams was traded to the Pelicans during the offseason. In his first four games with New Orleans, he's averaged 8.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
While Russell Westbrook is arguably the most beloved player in Thunder history, Adams is definitely near the top of the list in popularity among fans in Oklahoma City.
Follow Us
Subscribe