Oklahoma City Thunder Name Steven Adams Starting Center

The Oklahoma City Thunder have named second-year pro Steven Adams their starting center after he beat out NBA veteran Kendrick Perkins

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The Oklahoma City Thunder have been starting veteran center Kendrick Perkins over the last few years.

Many believed that with his limited offense, declining defense and the presence of a big-time defensive player in Serge Ibaka next to him, the Thunder should find an upgrade at the position.

Now it looks like they have done just that.

According to Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman, the Thunder have officially named second-year pro Steven Adams their starting center.

It's official: Steven Adams has won the Thunder's starting center job.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 28, 2014

Adams was unaware he won the job until Slater informed him.

Asked Steven Adams when he learned he'd be starting center. Adams: "When'd I learn? You just told me."
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 28, 2014

The Thunder will need Adams because of all of the injuries they have, most notable the Jones fracture Kevin Durant Suffered. In fact, Kevin Durant, Reggie Jackson, Mitch McGary, Jeremy Lamb, Anthony Morrow and Grant Jerrett are all out for at least the first two games of the season.

The Thunder's opening day starting lineup, per Scott Brooks: Westbrook, Roberson, Jones, Ibaka, Adams.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 28, 2014

This seems like the right move. Adams showed flashes of being a very good player last season and excelled in the playoffs as the Thunder reached the Western Conference Finals. Once the Thunder get healthy, they should remain one of the NBA’s elite teams and be a legitimate contender to win the NBA Title.

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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