Steven Adams: From Notre Dame Prep to NBA Stardom
Steven Funaki Paea He Ofa Ki Loa Adams, born on July 20, 1993, is a New Zealand professional basketball player currently with the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A center known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and interior presence, Adams has carved out a significant career in the NBA after transitioning from a promising high school prospect to a college player and then a professional athlete.
Early Life and Overcoming Adversity
Steven Adams was born in Rotorua, New Zealand, into a large family. Sources vary, but his father, Sid Adams, is said to have fathered between 18 and 21 children by multiple women. The exact number remains a subject of some uncertainty, as Adams himself notes in his autobiography, "My Life, My Fight" (2018).
Adams faced significant challenges early in life. His father's death from stomach cancer in 2007, when Steven was just 13 years old, was a defining moment. In a 2012 interview, Adams recalled the loss of parental guidance and how he "took advantage of it," skipping school and being dishonest with his siblings. After his father died, Adams left high school and joined a gang known as the Mongrel Mob.
Blossom Cameron played a crucial role in redirecting Adams' life. She rescued him from the streets of Rotorua and brought him to Wellington. Cameron took responsibility for Adams and introduced him to Wellington basketball legend Kenny McFadden. McFadden accepted Adams into his basketball academy, with the stipulation that he attend school every day to play basketball. Cameron enrolled him in Scots College.
Rise Through Prep School and College
After graduating from Scots College in December 2011, Adams took a significant step in his basketball journey by enrolling at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, for a single semester. Notre Dame Prep was known for its basketball program. Ryan Hurd, Notre Dame Prep coach told SNY.tv by phone, “He’s coming to our school”.
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Wellington Saints and Professional Beginnings
Prior to his stint at Notre Dame Prep, in 2011, Adams played for the Wellington Saints of the National Basketball League. Crucially, he remained unpaid to preserve his college eligibility. His impact was immediate, earning him the New Zealand NBL Rookie of the Year award and contributing to the Saints' championship victory.
College Career at University of Pittsburgh
Following his time at Notre Dame Prep, Adams committed to play college basketball for the University of Pittsburgh. He played for the Panthers for one season.
NBA Draft and Early Years with the Oklahoma City Thunder
On June 27, 2013, Adams' NBA dreams became a reality when the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him with the 12th overall pick in the NBA draft. This milestone made him only the second New Zealander ever drafted into the NBA and the first to be selected in the first round.
His early years with the Thunder saw steady development and integration into the team's core. Following the 2013-14 season, Adams was named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Continued Growth and Impact in Oklahoma City
Adams continued to improve and solidify his role as a key contributor for the Thunder. On January 10, 2016, Adams tied his career high of 17 points in a 115-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. On April 12, in the regular-season finale, Adams had another 17-point performance in a 102-98 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
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In Game 2 of the Thunder's second-round playoff series against the Spurs, Adams recorded 12 points and 17 rebounds in the narrow 98-97 victory. Six days later in Game 4, he scored 16 points as the Thunder won 111-97. Adams helped the Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in three years, where, in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors, he recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds in the 108-102 victory. On 31 October 2016, Adams signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Thunder. On 22 November, he scored a career-high 20 points in a 111-109 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Adams surpassed that mark on 9 December, scoring 24 points in a 102-99 loss to the Houston Rockets. On 1 December 2017, Adams scored a career-high 27 points on perfect shooting from the field and the free throw line to help the Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-107. On 2 February 2018, he had 23 points and 12 rebounds in a 114-100 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, reaching 3,000 career points.
Trade to New Orleans and Memphis
In November 2020, after seven seasons with the Thunder, Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. Later, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies acquired Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, draft rights to Ziaire Williams and two draft picks in a three-team trade with Pelicans and Hornets. On October 2, 2022, the Grizzlies signed Adams to a multi-year extension.
On January 19, 2023, Adams tipped home an NBA game winner for Memphis Grizzlies against Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the game against the Phoenix Suns, Paul returns, Suns hold on for 112-110 win over Grizzlies.
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Houston Rockets
On February 1, 2024, the Rockets completed a trade with Memphis. Adams made 32 appearances (11 starts) for Houston during the 2025-26 NBA season, averaging 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. On June 18, 2025, the Rockets signed Adams to a three-year contract extension.
Playing Style and Strengths
Adams is known for his physical style of play, rebounding prowess, and rim protection. He is generally well respected around the league for his sense of humour, down-to-earth personality and humility. On 14 December 2018, playing against the Denver Nuggets he received praise for catching his opponent Mason Plumlee after Plumlee jumped to contest a layup and fell over Adams.
At the recent Adidas Nations event in Los Angeles, Adams put up 12 points and 20 rebounds in one game, and 37 points and 14 rebounds in another. Chris Rivers of Adidas, who was the assistant coach to Alex English on Adams’ Asia team, said “He’s tremendous. He runs, he blocks shots up by the square, he finishes with both hands. He has tremendous attitude. His team lost every game and it didn’t phase him. He’s like a basket protector”.
Achievements and Recognition
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014)
- New Zealand NBL Rookie of the Year (2011)
- Wellington Saints Championship (2011)
Beyond the Court
Adams' impact extends beyond the basketball court. He is admired for his personality and humility.
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