History of Steven Adams in Timeline

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 transitioning to college basketball in the United States, playing for Pittsburgh in 2012.

Sections (4)

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

July 1993: Steven Adams Born

In July 1993, Steven Funaki Paea He Ofa Ki Loa Adams was born. He is a New Zealand professional basketball player.

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1999: First Pittsburgh Player Drafted Since 1999

In June 2013, Steven Adams became the first player out of Pittsburgh to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft since Vonteego Cummings was selected by the Indiana Pacers in 1999.

December 2011: Graduates from Scots College

In December 2011, Steven Adams graduated from Scots College and passed through the NCAA Clearinghouse.

December 2011: Enrolls at Notre Dame Preparatory School

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

2011: Plays for Wellington Saints

In 2011, Steven Adams played for the Wellington Saints of the National Basketball League, winning the championship and being named the New Zealand NBL Rookie of the Year.

June 2012: Enrolls at Pittsburgh

In June 2012, after attending Notre Dame Preparatory School, Steven Adams enrolled at Pittsburgh.

2012: Moves to United States

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

2012: Adams reflects on Father's death

In 2012, Steven Adams recalled his father's death as one of the defining moments of his life in an interview.

2012: Named Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year

In 2012, during his lone season at Pittsburgh, Steven Adams was named the Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year.

April 2013: Declares for NBA draft

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

June 2013: Drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder

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: Signs Rookie Contract

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.

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 Six Blocks

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

December 2014: 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 win against the San Antonio Spurs.

January 2015: Career-High 20 Rebounds

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

January 2016: Ties 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: Signs Contract Extension with Thunder

On October 31, 2016, Steven Adams signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City 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: Surpasses Career-High with 24 Points

On December 9, 2016, Steven Adams surpassed his career high, scoring 24 points in a loss to the Houston Rockets. He also scored a career-high 17 points in the first half.

December 2017: Career-High 27 Points

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

February 2018: Reaches 3,000 Career Points

On February 2, 2018, Steven Adams had 23 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, reaching 3,000 career points. On February 13, 2018, Adams recorded 22 points and 17 rebounds in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

November 2018: Scores 26 Points Against Suns

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

December 2018: Catches Mason Plumlee to Prevent Injury

On December 14, 2018, Steven Adams received praise for catching his opponent Mason Plumlee after Plumlee fell over Adams, preventing a serious injury.

2018: Plays Fortnite and Online Chess

Between 2018 and 2020, Steven Adams often posted his "Fortnite" and online chess wins on Instagram.

2018: Autobiography Released

In 2018, Steven Adams' autobiography, "Steven Adams: My Life, My Fight" co-written by Madeleine Chapman, was released.

March 2019: 22 Rebound Game

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, after seven years in Oklahoma City, Steven Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

2020: Plays Fortnite and Online Chess

Between 2018 and 2020, Steven Adams often posted his "Fortnite" and online chess wins on Instagram.

January 2021: Season-High 20 Rebounds

On January 29, 2021, Steven Adams scored only 4 points but 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 dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies.

February 2022: Season-High 21 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: Signs Contract Extension with Grizzlies

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

2022: Featured in Documentary Film

In 2022, an interview with Steven Adams was featured in the documentary film "Dame Valerie Adams: More than Gold", where he discusses the childhood of his sister, Olympic shot putter Valerie Adams.

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January 2023: Right Knee Injury

In January 2023, Steven Adams suffered a right knee injury, later diagnosed as a PCL sprain.

2023: Missed NBA Season Due to Surgery

Steven Adams missed the entire 2023 NBA season as he underwent surgery on his PCL, which had not responded to non-operative rehabilitation.

February 1, 2024: Traded to 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.

2024: Traded to the Houston Rockets

In 2024, Steven Adams was traded to the Houston Rockets.

January 5, 2025: Season-High Points and Rebounds

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 119–115 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 109–108 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

January 30, 2025: First Start of Season

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 120–119 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies.

March 2025: Ejected After Scuffle with Mason Plumlee

On March 12, 2025, Steven Adams and Mason Plumlee were both ejected after Adams was elbowed by Plumlee, triggering a scuffle.

May 2, 2025: Playoff Performance

On May 2, 2025, during the first round of the playoffs, Steven Adams recorded 17 points, five rebounds and three blocks in a 115–107 Game 6 win against the Golden State Warriors.