The 4 Most Impressive Records Steven Adams Owns

As Thunder and Grizzlies fans celebrate Steven Adams on his 29th birthday, check out some of the best records to know about the notable Big Man.

Steven Adams was selected 12th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Adams, known as “Big Kiwi,” had high expectations coming out of college and became the Thunder’s starting Center for six straight seasons. The 6’11 rebound machine added tremendous value from the start and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. He spent seven years in OKC before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans and then the Memphis Grizzles a year later.

Big Kiwi was born and raised in New Zealand, where he was one of 18 children in his family. In 2011, Adams enrolled at a well-known basketball prep school in the United States and committed to play college ball at the University of Pittsburgh. He spent one dominant season at Pitt before declaring for the 2013 NBA Draft. Adams’ length, physical presence, and high ceiling potential made it nearly impossible for the Thunder to pass on him.

The big man became the first New Zealander and Pittsburgh alumni since 1999 to be selected in the first round and utilized his size/strength to fulfill expectations. In 2016, Adams signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension in Oklahoma City, where the franchise admired his charm, skills, and ability to play alongside superstar Russell Westbrook. While Adams has been traded multiple times, he’s proven to be a fantastic Big Man who’s a great locker room presence and has set many impressive records that demonstrate his value in the NBA.

COLORS KEY | FULL GRIZZLIES OUTLOOK

Here are some of the greatest records to know about Steven Adams:

ADAMS ACCOLADES

Via Basketball Reference

The New Zealand native did everything he could possibly do to establish himself as an impactful Center

Steven Adams’ career resume:

2014 All-Rookie 2nd Team
2022 NBA OREB (349) leader
Only New Zealander selected in 1st round of NBA Draft
Thunder career FG% (58.9) leader

THUNDER RECORDS

Steven Adams fulfilled high expectations of a lottery pick right out of the gate

Thunder records:

Career FG% (58.9)
Top 3 season FG% (62.9)
Top 2 season OREB (391)
Playoff FG% (62.7%) [min 100 FGM]
Career games of 10+/15+/20+ PTS with 85+/90+/95+/100 FG%
Season games of 10+/15+/20+ PTS with 80+/85+/90+ FG%

OKC FG% LEADER

Nobody was more efficient from the field than #12 in Oklahoma City

Highest career FG% in Thunder/Sonics history [min 500 FGM]:

1. Steven Adams (62.7)

2. James Donaldson (58.4)

3. Tim McCormick (56.3)

4. Enes Kanter (56.2)

5. Nick Collison (53.4)

REBOUND MACHINE

The 6’11 monster is admired for creating second chance opportunities for his offense, especially in Memphis

Most OREB during 1 season in Memphis Grizzlies history:

1. 2022 Steven Adams (349)

2. 2010 Zach Randolph (330)

3. 2011 Zach Randolph (326)

4. 2013 Zach Randolph (310)

5. 2014 Zach Randolph (265)

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

ADAMS IS A MENACE

Steven Adams' career resume:
- 2014 All-Rookie 2nd Team
- 2022 NBA OREB (349) leader
- Only New Zealander selected in 1st round of NBA Draft
- #Thunder career FG% (58.9) leader
pic.twitter.com/vm87gMUw4u
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 22, 2022

Steven Adams' #Thunder records:
- Career FG% (58.9)
- Top3 season FG% (62.9)
- Top2 season OREB (391)
- Playoff FG% (62.7%) [min 100 FGM]
- GP of 10+/15+/20+ PTS with 85+/90+/95+/100 FG%
- Season GP of 10+/15+/20+ PTS with 80+/85+/90+ FG%
pic.twitter.com/3Y1QqbqF8A
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 22, 2022

Highest career FG% in #Thunder/#Sonics history [min 500 FGM]:
1. Steven Adams (62.7)
2. James Donaldson (58.4)
3. Tim McCormick (56.3)
4. Enes Kanter (56.2)
5. Nick Collison (53.4)
pic.twitter.com/qklHHdTE9F
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 22, 2022

Most OREB during 1 season in Memphis #Grizzlies history:
1. 2022 Steven Adams (349)
2. 2010 Zach Randolph (330)
3. 2011 Zach Randolph (326)
4. 2013 Zach Randolph (310)
5. 2014 Zach Randolph (265)pic.twitter.com/wXNVcd189f
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 22, 2022