Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Steven Adams

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Steven Adams made an impact.

Steven Adams is a New Zealand professional basketball player currently playing for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. He played one season for the Wellington Saints in 2011 before moving to the United States in 2012 to play college basketball at the University of Pittsburgh.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 2011: Enrolled at Notre Dame Preparatory School

In December 2011, Steven Adams enrolled at Notre Dame Preparatory School after graduating from Scots College.

2011: Named New Zealand NBL Rookie of the Year

In 2011, Steven Adams played for the Wellington Saints, was named the New Zealand NBL Rookie of the Year, and helped the Saints win the championship.

2011: Played for Wellington Saints

In 2011, Steven Adams played for the Wellington Saints.

June 2012: Enrolled at Pittsburgh

In June 2012, Steven Adams enrolled at Pittsburgh to play college basketball.

2012: Named Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year

During the 2012 season at Pittsburgh, Steven Adams was named the Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year and earned Big East All-Rookie Team honors.

2012: Moved to United States to play college basketball

In 2012, Steven Adams moved to the United States to play college basketball for Pittsburgh.

April 2013: Declared for the NBA draft

On April 2013, Steven Adams declared for the NBA draft, foregoing his final three years of college eligibility.

June 2013: Selected in the 2013 NBA draft

On June 27, 2013, Steven Adams was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

July 2013: Signed rookie contract with the Thunder

On July 12, 2013, Steven Adams signed his rookie scale contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

October 2013: NBA Debut

On October 30, 2013, Steven Adams made his NBA debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Utah Jazz, recording two points, three rebounds, and one assist.

2013: Selected by Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2013, Steven Adams was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 12th overall pick in the NBA draft.

November 2014: Recorded career-high six blocks

In November 2014, Steven Adams recorded a career-high six blocks in a game against the Houston Rockets.

December 2014: Recorded season-high 16 points and then-career-high 15 rebounds

On December 25, 2014, Steven Adams recorded a season-high 16 points and a then-career-high 15 rebounds in a game against the San Antonio Spurs.

January 2015: Recorded career-high 20 rebounds

On January 21, 2015, Steven Adams recorded a career-high 20 rebounds in a game against the Washington Wizards.

January 2016: Tied career high of 17 points

On January 10, 2016, Steven Adams tied his career high of 17 points in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

April 2016: Another 17-point performance

On April 12, 2016, Steven Adams had another 17-point performance in the Thunder's regular-season finale against the San Antonio Spurs.

October 2016: Signed contract extension with the Thunder

On October 31, 2016, Steven Adams signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

November 2016: Scored career-high 20 points

On November 22, 2016, Steven Adams scored a career-high 20 points in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

December 2016: Scored career-high 24 points

On December 9, 2016, Steven Adams surpassed his previous record and scored a career-high 24 points in a game against the Houston Rockets.

December 2017: Scored career-high 27 points

On December 1, 2017, Steven Adams scored a career-high 27 points to help the Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves.

February 2018: Reached 3,000 career points

On February 2, 2018, Steven Adams reached 3,000 career points in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, becoming one of only three Thunder players with at least 3,000 career points and 350 career blocks.

November 2018: Scored 26 points in win over Phoenix Suns

On November 17, 2018, Steven Adams scored 26 points in a 110–100 win over the Phoenix Suns.

March 2019: Recorded 13 points and 22 rebounds in win over Memphis Grizzlies

On March 3, 2019, Steven Adams recorded 13 points and 22 rebounds in a 99–95 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

November 2020: Traded to New Orleans Pelicans

In November 2020, Steven Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans after seven years with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

November 2020: Traded to the New Orleans Pelicans and signed contract extension

On November 24, 2020, Steven Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans and signed a two-year, $35 million extension with the team.

January 2021: Grabbed a season-high 20 rebounds

On January 29, 2021, Steven Adams grabbed a season-high 20 rebounds in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

August 2021: Traded to Memphis Grizzlies

In August 2021, Steven Adams was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

February 2022: Grabbed season-high 21 rebounds

On February 26, 2022, Steven Adams grabbed a season-high 21 rebounds, during a win against the Chicago Bulls.

October 2022: Signed contract extension with the Grizzlies

On October 2, 2022, Steven Adams signed a two-year, $25.2 million contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies.

February 1, 2024: Traded to the Houston Rockets

On February 1, 2024, Steven Adams was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three future second-round picks.

October 28, 2024: Adams makes Rockets debut

On October 28, 2024, Steven Adams made his Rockets debut putting up 6 points and three rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench in a 106-101 win against the San Antonio Spurs.

2024: Traded to the Houston Rockets

In 2024, Steven Adams was traded to the Houston Rockets after playing for 2 1/2 seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies.

January 5, 2025: Near double-double after recovering from PCL surgery

On January 5, 2025, after fully recovering from PCL surgery, Adams recorded a near double-double with 8 points, 9 rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal in 17 minutes of action off the bench in a 119-115 win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 22, 2025: Adams puts up season-high 11 rebounds

On January 22, 2025, Adams put up three points, a season-high 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 19 minutes off the bench in a 109-108 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

January 30, 2025: Adams makes his first start of the season

On January 30, 2025, Adams made his first start of the season recording a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists in a 120-119 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies.