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 with the Houston Rockets in the NBA. He played one season with the Wellington Saints before moving to the United States in 2012. He then played college basketball for Pittsburgh. Known for his rebounding and physical play, Adams has become a respected player in the NBA.

Sections (4)

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

2011: Played for Wellington Saints

In 2011, Steven Adams played for the Wellington Saints of the National Basketball League (NBL) and was named the New Zealand NBL Rookie of the Year. Adams went unpaid to keep his college eligibility. The Saints won the championship with Adam's help. He averaged 5.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 15 games.

2012: Moved to the United States to play college basketball for Pittsburgh

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

2012: Big East Honors

In 2012, during his lone season at Pittsburgh, Steven Adams was named the Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year and earned Big East All-Rookie Team honors. He started all 32 games, averaging 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.

April 2013: Declared for NBA Draft

On April 2, 2013, Steven Adams declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility.

June 2013: Selected by Oklahoma City Thunder in 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 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, recording two points, three rebounds, and one assist against the Utah Jazz.

2013: Drafted 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: Career-High Blocks

On November 16, 2014, Steven Adams recorded a career-high six blocks in a loss to the Houston Rockets.

December 2014: Season-High Points and Rebounds

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

January 2015: Career-High Rebounds

On January 21, 2015, Steven Adams recorded a career-high 20 rebounds in an overtime win 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 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

April 2016: Another 17-Point Performance

On April 12, 2016, in the Thunder's regular-season finale, Steven Adams had another 17-point performance in a loss to 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 Thunder.

November 2016: Career-High 20 Points

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

December 2016: Scored 24 Points against Houston Rockets

On December 9, 2016, Steven Adams surpassed his career high by scoring 24 points in a loss to the Houston Rockets.

December 2017: Career-High 27 Points

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

November 2018: Scored 26 Points against Phoenix Suns

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

March 2019: 22 Rebounds against Memphis Grizzlies

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

November 2020: Traded to New Orleans Pelicans

On November 24, 2020, Steven Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. As part of the deal, he signed a two-year, $35 million extension with the Pelicans.

August 2021: Traded to Memphis Grizzlies

On August 7, 2021, Steven Adams was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

February 2022: Season-High Rebounds

On February 26, 2022, Steven Adams scored 12 points and grabbed a season-high 21 rebounds during a win against the Chicago Bulls.

October 2022: Signed Contract Extension with Grizzlies

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

January 5, 2025: Near Double-Double Performance

On January 5, 2025, after fully recovering from PCL surgery, Steven 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 win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 22, 2025: Season-High Rebounds

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

January 30, 2025: First Start of the Season and Double-Double

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