Steven Adams is a New Zealand professional basketball player who plays as a center for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. Born on July 20, 1993, in Rotorua, New Zealand, Adams stands 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 265 pounds.
Early Career: Adams began his professional career with the Wellington Saints in New Zealand’s National Basketball League (NBL) in 2011. He was named the NBL Rookie of the Year and helped the Saints secure the championship that year. In 2012, he moved to the United States to play college basketball for the Pittsburgh Panthers, where he averaged 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in his sole season.
NBA Career: Adams was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. He served as the team’s primary starting center for six consecutive seasons. In November 2020, after seven years with the Thunder, Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. He signed a two-year, $35 million extension with the Pelicans in November 2020.
In August 2021, Adams was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He signed a two-year, $25.2 million contract extension with the Grizzlies in October 2022. However, Adams missed the entire 2023-24 NBA season due to surgery on his right knee’s posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
On February 1, 2024, Adams was traded to the Houston Rockets. He made his debut with the Rockets on October 28, 2024, contributing 6 points and 3 rebounds in a win against the San Antonio Spurs. Adams has since been part of a double-big lineup alongside Alperen Şengün, providing crucial defense and playmaking, which has shown promising results for the team.
Recent Highlights: In a game against the Phoenix Suns on March 12, 2025, Adams was ejected following a physical altercation with Mason Plumlee. The incident occurred during a tussle for a rebound, leading to both players being removed from the game.