The scary thing about Steven Adams as a basketball player is that he still is learning a lot. Growing up in New Zealand, Adams didn’t have access to the opportunities that many Americans do to get better at the game. So despite being in the NBA for three full seasons, Adams is constantly adding things to his game. Things that he learns from the great players he plays night after night. Unfortunately for him, one of the players he learned from is now gone. And Adams is rightfully upset.
There is just so much good stuff here once you get over Adams talking as if Duncan is dead.
It starts with the fact that we never heard about Duncan actually teaching Adams. Knowing what we know about Tim Duncan, it doesn’t seem crazy to think he would work with someone like Adams in the summer. But it seems like Steven Adams never asked. So instead he just learned in games.
Most importantly though, Steven Adams called Tim Duncan his boy. That is perfect. Since reading that quote all I can think of is the duo hanging out. I like to think it involves Tim Duncan sitting quietly reading while Adams fights Captain Hook. Or something like that.
Of course, this isn’t the first time that Adams has praised Duncan. There was this from back in last season’s playoffs.
That being nice move seems to be one thing Adams hasn’t added to his game yet. And really I don’t see it ever happening. Adams bullying people and being annoying on the court is part of his charm.
Next: The search for a new Waiters Island
So hopefully Tim Duncan isn’t a stranger to Adams in his retirement. Because we all need our boys by our sides every once in a while. Even if that boy pretends to be nice to you before dropping 20 on you in a short time period.