Oklahoma City Thunder rumors: Steven Adams to start?

By Andrew Melnick | Aug 30, 2014

May 29, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) grabs a loose ball in front of San Antonio Spurs forward Boris Diaw (33) during the first half in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Although there have been several rumors that the Oklahoma City Thunder could trade or even use the amnesty clause to waiver center Kendrick Perkins, he remains the starting center. However, last season, rookie Steven Adams showed his ability as a rebounder and especially as a shot-blocker and began to earn the trust of the Thunder coaching staff.

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John Litzler of Basketball Insiders thinks Adams is ready to take the starting job.

"Adams made a name for himself this past postseason with his physical play. He gave the Thunder great energy off the bench and showed, despite his lack of experience, that he is the team’s best option at center. Kendrick Perkins remains under contract with the team for one more year. Despite that, Adams appears ready to overtake Perkins in the starting rotation."

The Thunder also used the 21st-overall pick in the first round of this summer’s draft to select former Michigan Wolverines’ center Mitch McGary. Although it is rare the Thunder depend much on a rookie, he could get himself into the rotation as well.

Perkins put up 3.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field and 55.2% from the charity stripe last season. Adams averaged 3.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in just 14.8 minutes per game while shooting 50.3% from the floor and 58.1% from the free throw line. McGary went for 9.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 54.5% from the field and 66.7% from the charity stripe with the Michigan Wolverines last season.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.