Player Bio

Steven Adams is the first ever first-round pick and lottery pick to come out of New Zealand throughout NBA Draft history. He was drafted in 2013. Adams is one of 18 siblings, six of whom played basketball for New Zealand. All of his brothers range in height from 6-feet-10 to 6-feet-11. His sisters are all between 6-feet-5 and 6-feet-6. It's a big family. Steven's half-sister, Dame Valerie Adams, is a two-time Olympic shot put gold medalist as well as a four-time World Champion. Adams plays the guitar and is a Meatloaf fan. He's been conducting free basketball camps for kids in New Zealand since 2013. Follow Adams on Twitter @RealStevenAdams and on Instagram @stevenadams. Before the NBA, Adams followed an interesting path. He graduated from Scotts College (a prep school in the suburbs of Strathmore Wellington, New Zealand) in December 2011. While at Scotts, he also played ball for the Wellington Saints of New Zealand's National Basketball League. Adams played without pay to maintain his American college eligibility. The big center then moved to the United States and enrolled at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts for one semester. Playing for Notre Dame helped Adams better understand American basketball. He then enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh in June 2012. Adams stayed at Pitt for one season, starting in 32 games. He averaged 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks while shooting an impressive 57.1 percent from the field. That production led to Adams being named to the Big East All-Rookie Team. Adams then declared for the 2013 NBA Draft and was selected 12th overall by the Thunder.