The Underrated Contribution of Steven Adams

By Jayla Johnson

It seems that Steven Adams of the Oklahoma City Thunder is often left in the dust when it comes to the discussion of highlights and player improvement on the team. Adams has been with the Thunder since 2013. He has remained with this team through its high and low points.

For Adams to have this level of consistent contribution to the OKC Thunder, it would seem as if he would get more credit alongside the ‘Big 3’ on his team. Adams had to undergo a change in playing style similar to Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and Paul George to achieve the most amount of success for the Thunder this season.

Adams has been challenged to revert back to some of his previous playing method. In his previous style, Adams was more dominant defensively to get blocks and steals and could change quickly to catch the inside pass and make more floaters.

Throughout this season, it is evident that Adams has progressed in his basketball career by averaging more points, field goal percentage, and rebounds. Adams is currently averaging 14.1 points, a 63.4 percent field goal percentage, and 9 rebounds. It can be noticed that Adams has a great willingness to attack the basket which is contributing to his higher field goal percentage this season.

Adams’s ability to change consistently to meet the needs of the new ‘power’ players on the OKC Thunder has contributed to the ability of the Big 3 to finish games better. Adams may not put up the most points on the time, but he deserves greater acknowledgement for the contribution he makes towards the ability of the Big 3.