Steven Adams Bio
Steven Funaki Paea He Ofa Ki Loa Adams is a New Zealand professional basketball player who currently serves as center for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) and weighing 265 pounds (120 kg), Adams has established himself as one of the premier interior defenders and elite offensive rebounders in professional basketball since making his NBA debut in 2013. Over his career spanning more than a decade in the NBA, Adams has played for four franchises: the Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets. He was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Thunder, becoming just the second New Zealander ever selected in the NBA Draft and the first to be chosen in the first round. Adams is widely recognized as one of the strongest players in the NBA, combining physicality with refined defensive instincts that have made him a valuable presence in the paint throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Steven Adams was born on July 20, 1993, in Rotorua, New Zealand. His father, Sid Adams, was originally from Bristol, England, and served in the Royal Navy, standing at 6 feet 11 inches tall. His mother, Lilika Ngauamo, worked as a nurse and hailed from the South Pacific island of Tonga, making Adams biracial with strong ties to both England and Tonga. The family was large, with some sources indicating Sid Adams fathered between 16 and 21 children across multiple relationships, though the exact number remains uncertain.
Adams faced significant hardship during his childhood. His mother, Lilika Ngauamo, died of cancer in 2000 when Adams was just 7 years old. His father, Sid Adams, died of stomach cancer in 2007 when Adams was 13. Adams has identified his father’s death as one of the defining events of his life. In the aftermath, he briefly left high school and became involved with the Mongrel Mob, a notorious gang in New Zealand. This turbulent period could have derailed his future entirely.
A turning point came when Blossom Cameron intervened and took Adams under her wing. Cameron rescued him from the streets of Rotorua and brought him to Wellington, taking personal responsibility for his upbringing. She introduced him to Wellington basketball legend Kenny McFadden, who ran a basketball academy. McFadden enrolled Adams at Scots College with one simple rule: he had to attend school every day if he wanted to play basketball. Under McFadden’s guidance and Cameron’s support, Adams redirected his energy toward basketball and academics. He excelled at Scots College and passed the NCAA Clearinghouse after graduating in December 2011, becoming eligible to play college basketball in the United States.
Path to Basketball
Adams’ basketball journey began in New Zealand’s National Basketball League (NZNBL). In 2011, he played for the Wellington Saints while keeping his college eligibility intact by accepting no payment for his services. In just 15 games with the Saints, Adams averaged 5.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while helping the team capture the championship. His outstanding rookie campaign earned him NZNBL Rookie of the Year honors, signaling his potential as a future professional.
Following his success with the Wellington Saints, Adams enrolled at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, for one semester during the spring of 2012. The preparatory school served as an acclimation period to American basketball before his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh. In June 2012, Adams joined the Pittsburgh Panthers for the 2012-13 NCAA season.
Adams made an immediate impact at Pittsburgh, earning Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year accolades. He started all 32 games during the season, averaging 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and an impressive 2.0 blocks per game. His defensive prowess and consistent performance earned him Big East All-Rookie Team honors. After just one season, Adams declared for the 2013 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining three years of college eligibility. His departure from Pittsburgh marked the end of a brief but impactful collegiate career that positioned him as a first-round prospect.
Steven Adams Career
Oklahoma City Thunder Era (2013-2020)
On June 27, 2013, Adams was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, making him the first New Zealander ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. He also became the first player from the University of Pittsburgh to be selected in the first round since Vonteego Cummings in 1999. Adams signed his rookie scale contract with the Thunder on July 12, 2013, officially beginning his professional career.
In his rookie season, Adams made his NBA debut on October 30, 2013, recording two points, three rebounds, and one assist in a 101-98 victory over the Utah Jazz. Within his first five NBA games, he recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons. Over the course of the 2013-14 season, Adams appeared in 81 games with 20 starts, averaging 3.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game in 14.8 minutes. His rebounding and block numbers ranked ninth among all NBA rookies. During the playoffs, Adams played a crucial role as the Thunder reached the Western Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs in six games. At the season’s conclusion, Adams was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Adams continued developing his game in subsequent seasons. On November 16, 2014, he recorded a career-high six blocks in a game against the Houston Rockets. On December 25, 2014, he recorded a season-high 16 points and 15 rebounds in a victory over the San Antonio Spurs. By January 21, 2015, he set a new career high with 20 rebounds in an overtime win against the Washington Wizards. The 2015-16 season saw Adams help the Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in three years, where they faced the Golden State Warriors in a dramatic seven-game series.
On October 31, 2016, Adams signed a landmark four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Thunder, reflecting his status as a core piece of the franchise. During the 2017-18 season, he reached several career milestones, including scoring a career-high 27 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 1, 2017. He also joined Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka as the only Thunder players with at least 3,000 career points and 350 career blocks. On February 13, 2018, Adams grabbed 12 offensive rebounds in a single game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, setting a Thunder franchise record for offensive rebounds in a game.
New Orleans Pelicans (2020-2021)
On November 24, 2020, after seven years with the Thunder organization, Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a significant roster move. As part of the trade package, he signed a two-year, $35 million extension with the Pelicans. His time in New Orleans was brief but productive. On January 29, 2021, he recorded a season-high 20 rebounds in a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. On March 4, 2021, he scored a season-high 15 points against the Miami Heat. Despite his efforts, the Pelicans did not qualify for the playoffs during his single full season with the team.
Memphis Grizzlies (2021-2024)
On August 7, 2021, Adams was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, beginning a new chapter with one of the NBA’s rising franchises. He made an immediate impact, scoring a season-high 17 points along with nine rebounds and five assists in his first appearance against the Los Angeles Clippers. On December 6, 2021, he recorded 17 points and 16 rebounds in a victory over the Miami Heat, helping the Grizzlies secure their fifth straight win. On February 26, 2022, Adams grabbed a season-high 21 rebounds in a victory over the Chicago Bulls.
On October 2, 2022, Adams signed a two-year, $25.2 million contract extension with the Grizzlies, securing his future with the team. The 2022-23 season showed promise as Adams scored a game-winning tip-in against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 18, 2023. However, tragedy struck four days later when he suffered a right knee injury during a game against the Phoenix Suns. On January 24, 2023, the Grizzlies announced Adams had been diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain, sidelining him for three-to-five weeks. Further evaluation in March revealed he needed a stem cell injection, ending his regular season. The injury caused Adams to miss the playoffs entirely as the second-seeded Grizzlies were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.
The knee injury proved more serious than initially anticipated. Adams missed the entire 2023-24 NBA season as he underwent surgery on his PCL, which had not responded to non-operative rehabilitation efforts. This prolonged absence tested his resilience and commitment to returning to the court.
Houston Rockets (2024-Present)
On February 1, 2024, Adams was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three future second-round picks. The trade gave Adams a fresh start with a young, rebuilding Rockets team. He made his Rockets debut on October 28, 2024, recording six points and three rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench in a victory over the San Antonio Spurs. By January 5, 2025, after fully recovering from his PCL surgery, Adams showed flashes of his old form with eight points, nine rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal in a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Adams continued building momentum throughout the season. On January 22, 2025, he recorded three points, a season-high 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Eight days later, he made his first start of the season and recorded a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists against his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies. During the 2024-25 playoffs, Adams delivered a standout performance in Game 6 of the first round against the Golden State Warriors, recording 17 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. Though the Rockets ultimately lost the series in seven games, Adams demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level when it mattered most.
On June 18, 2025, the Rockets signed Adams to a three-year, $39 million contract extension, signaling their long-term commitment to the veteran center. During the 2025-26 season, Adams made 32 appearances with 11 starts, averaging 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 18, 2026, and underwent season-ending surgery on January 28 to address the malady.
Playing Style and Strengths
Adams has carved out a reputation as one of the NBA’s most physical and fundamentally sound centers. His defining attribute is his elite offensive rebounding ability, consistently crashing the offensive glass and creating second-chance opportunities for his teams. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches with exceptional strength, he has developed into a skilled interior defender capable of protecting the rim and contesting shots at a high level. He is widely considered the strongest man in the NBA, using his physical tools to establish position in the post and finish through contact. Beyond his offensive rebounding, Adams has demonstrated playmaking ability from the elbow and high post, showingcourt vision that belies his position. His durability and willingness to set screens have made him an invaluable teammate, while his team-first mentality and sense of humor have earned him universal respect throughout the league.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Adams has accumulated several memorable moments that highlight his character as much as his athletic ability. During a December 14, 2018 game against the Denver Nuggets, Adams received widespread praise for a sportsmanship gesture when he caught opponent Mason Plumlee after Plumlee jumped to contest a layup and fell over Adams. Despite having an uncontested shot, Adams chose to drop the ball and catch Plumlee, preventing a potential injury. This moment exemplified Adams’ down-to-earth personality and humility despite his imposing physical presence. Other career highlights include his Thunder franchise-record 12 offensive rebounds in a single game, his game-winning performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers in January 2023, and his playoff heroics against the Golden State Warriors in the 2025 postseason.
Steven Adams Career Wins
Adams has accumulated a solid collection of wins and achievements across his professional career spanning multiple leagues and international competitions. His success began in New Zealand before translating to the college level and ultimately the NBA.
NZNBL Highlights
Adams’ professional career began with immediate success in New Zealand’s National Basketball League. In 2011, he helped the Wellington Saints capture the NZNBL championship while earning NZNBL Rookie of the Year honors. In 15 games that season, he averaged 5.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. His ability to dominate at the junior level in New Zealand foreshadowed his transition to higher levels of competition.
College and NBA Accolades
At the collegiate level with Pittsburgh, Adams earned Big East All-Rookie Team honors during his single season in 2012-13. In the NBA, his most significant accolade came at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season when he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team following his debut season with the Thunder. Over his 12-plus seasons in the NBA, Adams has established himself as a durable, reliable presence in the paint, appearing in over 600 career games while becoming one of the league’s most respected veterans.
Steven Adams Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Adams comes from an extraordinary athletic family. His half-sister, Dame Valerie Adams, is a legendary shot-putter who has won dual Olympic gold medals and four world championships. His other half-sister, Lisa Adams, is a Paralympic gold medalist in shot-put. His brothers, Warren Adams and Sid Adams Jr., both played professional basketball in the New Zealand National Basketball League. His sister, Gabriella Adams-Gavet, has represented the New Zealand national basketball team internationally. This strong athletic foundation provided Steven with competitive genes and a framework for understanding what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of sport.
Personal Life
Off the court, Adams has cultivated interests beyond basketball. He enjoys playing video games and has cited Dota 2 and Smite as his favorites. In 2018, Adams published an autobiography titled “Steven Adams: My Life, My Fight,” co-written with his childhood friend and journalist Madeleine Chapman. The book provides an honest account of his challenging upbringing, his path through adversity, and his rise to NBA stardom. An interview with Adams was featured in the 2022 documentary film “Dame Valerie Adams: More than Gold,” where he discussed his sister Valerie’s childhood and her remarkable athletic journey. Adams maintains a relatively private personal life while being known around the league for his humor, humility, and approachable personality.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant chapter in Adams’ career as he fully recovered from the PCL injury that had sidelined him for the previous year and a half. His return to form with the Houston Rockets showcased his enduring value as a veteran center in the NBA. Adams appeared in 32 games with 11 starts during the 2025-26 season, averaging 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while demonstrating the physical presence and basketball IQ that have defined his career.
The highlight of his season came during the 2024-25 playoffs, where Adams delivered an inspired performance against the Golden State Warriors in the first round. His 17-point, 5-rebound, 3-block effort in Game 6 demonstrated his ability to elevate his play when the stakes were highest. The Rockets pushed the Warriors to a seventh game, a testament to both the team’s growth and Adams’ contributions throughout the series. Though Houston fell short, the competitive series provided optimism for the franchise’s future.
The season took an unfortunate turn when Adams suffered an ankle injury during a January 2026 game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The injury required season-ending surgery on January 28, 2026, cutting short what had been a encouraging campaign. Despite the setback, Adams’ performance prior to the injury reinforced his value to the Rockets organization, which responded by signing him to a three-year, $39 million extension in June 2025. His resilience in returning from the PCL injury and contributing to a playoff team underscores his enduring commitment to the sport and his team-first mentality that has defined his professional career.