Steven Adams has become an anchor in Oklahoma City, one of the best centers in the game, a defensive force in the paint, a beast on the boards, and a guy who sets a strong pick and can roll hard. Plus, he brings an attitude to the court that is part of who the Thunder are.
Durant loved Adams as a teammate... but did it start out that way? In his biography that’s not how Adams remembers it (hat tip ESPN).
In his book, Steven Adams recalls KD's initial reaction to him being drafted by OKC. pic.twitter.com/7hlrFfh5H2
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 3, 2018
Welcome Steven Adams
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 28, 2013
The rumor that KD was not happy about the Adams pick has been around since that draft, and he has vehemently (in a NSFW way) denied that was the case.
Buncha bullshit!! RT @tjrhyno31: @KDTrey5 Word is you're upset about the draft of Steven Adams? Any truth to these rumors my man.
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 28, 2013
Who was still on the board when the Thunder took Adams? Looking back, the best player by far is Giannis Antetokounmpo, but he was so raw it was considered a roll-of-the-dice pick at the time at 15. There also was Shabazz Muhammad, Tim Hardaway, Rudy Gobert, Tony Snell, and Kelly Olynyk. Looking back, outside of the Greek Freak the Thunder wouldn’t trade Adams for any of those other picks.
