Oklahoma City Thunder’s Steven Adams in for a big year

Second-year center Steve Adams could be in for a big season with the Oklahoma City Thunder this season and could even become the starting center Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Second-year center Steve Adams could be in for a big season with the Oklahoma City Thunder this season and could even become the starting center Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Second-year center Steve Adams could be in for a big season with the Oklahoma City Thunder this season and could even become the starting center

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Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams didn’t see a whole of playing time during his rookie season but he still managed to put up solid numbers. As the 12th-overall pick in the first round of the 2013

NBA

Draft and part of the James Harden trade, the Thunder have very high hopes for Steven Adams.

Yannis Koutroupis of Baketball Insiders see Steven Adams having a big year.

"I believe that Adams’ arrival isn’t contingent on Durant’s absence. I think it could have happened with Durant in the lineup. Obviously, Kendrick Perkins is becoming less effective by the season and they’re going to lean on Adams to take his place this season. Adams, who would be a junior this year if he were still in college, has shown some real intriguing flashes and looks ready to take on a bigger role. Once Durant comes back, things will become easier for him offensively, but I’m looking more at Jones during this time as someone who could prove his worth, which I wouldn’t be saying if Durant was healthy because I’m not sure there would be much time for him. During these next few weeks though, he can make it to where Coach Brooks has to make time for him."

Many believe that is time for Steven Adams to replace Kendrick Perkins as the starting center (it was probably time by the end of the year last year). Even if he doesn’t start, he will have an expanded role.

As a rookie last season, Steven 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.

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