Steven Adams

Steven Adams is a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. He plays for the Memphis Grizzlies. Adams also used to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans. He was born in New Zealand and also played for the local team, the Wellington Saints.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Steven Funaki Adams was born on July 20, 1993, in Rotorua, New Zealand. He is 211 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 120 kg. He is a center and he plays right-handed.

His father is of English descent while his mother is Tongan. He has half-sisters who are also athletes, Valerie Adams and Lisa Adams. Steven is the youngest of his father’s kids.

Adams was introduced to basketball by his brother Warren after his father died.

High School and College Career

He attended Rotorua Lakes High School before he moved to Wellington High School. After he was scouted, he moved to the United States to attend the Notre Dame Preparatory School in Massachusetts.

He later attended the University of Pittsburgh and was with the college from 2012 to 2013. While there, he was named the Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year.

Professional Career

Early in his career, he played for the Wellington Saints. While with the team, he was named the NBL Rookie of the Year and he helped the Saints become NBL Champions in 2011.

After he moved to the US, he declared for the NBA in 2013 and was drafted into the league by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was the 12th overall pick in the first round. In his first year with the Thunder, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

In November 2020, the Thunder traded him to the New Orleans Pelicans. They later traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies in August 2021. As of 2023, he still plays for the Grizzlies.

Career Highlights

• 2014 - NBA All-Rookie Second Team
• 2011 - NBL champion
• 2011 - NBL Rookie of the Year
• 2013 - Big East All-Rookie Team