Before Being Drafted by the Thunder, Steven Adams Had 'No Expectations' of Making NBA
Steven Adams was the No. 12 pick in the NBA Draft back in 2013. Oklahoma City had needed a center for quite some time, as Kendrick Perkins was growing older and losing a step on both ends of the floor. It worked out well for both parties, as Adams was signed to a massive extension and the Thunder got a centerpiece for seven seasons.
The funny part about it, though, is Adams had no expectations of playing in the NBA. He bet on himself, and it turned out to be the best bet he could've made.
Steven Adams gotta be the most casual lottery pick all time…
— Steven Adams Stats (@funakistats) August 19, 2023
“Threw my name in the NBA draft - averaged 6 and 6 - and yeah, went number 12 bro… I was just there for the ride. I had no expectations of even making the NBA” pic.twitter.com/DW9pkyf6G0
“I didn't have NBA dreams or anything like that,” Adams said. “I was just playing basketball, and then some dude offered me a scholarship. . .and I was like, ‘oh sweet this will be great.'”
I threw my name in the NBA Draft, averaged six and six, and went No. 12, it was cool.”
Adams played just one season at Pittsburgh, and was considered a raw NBA prospect with potential. During his season with the Panthers, the 7-footer averaged 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 23.4 minutes per game. The sample size was relatively small, and his minute count was low, but it was enough to catch the eye of several NBA teams.
In a 2013 redraft, knowing everything we know now, Adams likely goes in the top five. It was an unusually weak lottery class, with CJ McCollum being the best player taken. Just three picks past Adams, however, the Bucks struck gold with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Despite quiet numbers at Pittsburgh, Adams quickly carved out a role in Oklahoma City and ended up being a terrific selection in the late lottery. In seven seasons with the Thunder, the big man averaged 9.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He shot 58.9% from the floor and developed a lethan pick-and-roll with Russell Westbrook.
Since then, he started for the New Orleans Pelicans and is currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. He's turned into a locker room leader and a gritty veteran in the NBA.