In the fourth game of his NBA career, Steven Adams was elbowed in the face by Vince Carter. And ever since then, people just can’t stop hitting the Oklahoma City Thunder center.
This past weekend, Joe Ingles added his name to a list that includes Carter, Zach Randolph, Draymond Green, Jordan Hamilton, Hassan Whiteside, and others. All of those men have punched, kicked, or elbowed Adams in the face, chest, or groin. Adams has become three-quarters NBA center, one-quarter UFC fighter.
So, what makes everyone want to strike the 24-year-old New Zealander?
Theory one: He wants to get hit
Maybe he brings it upon himself. Last year, Adams admitted to having Thunder assistant Darko Rajaković uppercut him unexpectedly while he’s practicing his free throws, believing it would make him better at the line. Adams’ shooting percent at the line increased from 58 percent in 2015-16 to 61 percent last season.
Perhaps, he whispers to the opponent, “I need you to hit me” in order to get himself going. The opponent, not concerned about a potential fine/ejection/suspension, obliges.
This theory doesn’t check out as Adams was getting illegally battered before he figured out it made him a better player.
Theory two: His teammates get him hit
Oklahoma City are a team with stars. For years, it was Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant with Serge Ibaka rounding out the Big 3. This year, it’s Westbrook alongside Paul George and Carmelo Anthony.
Knowing the repercussions of going after a star in the league, opposing players set their sights on Adams. By doing the dirty work for the stars, Adams makes himself an easy target. He can be annoying with how he sets a screen and the way he tussles for rebounds. Players can be easily frustrated watching the Thunder stars get all the calls and takeover games despite the defenses best resistance. Thus, groin shot to Adams.
There might be something to this theory. Last year, Adams was not victimized by fists, elbows, or feet. He was considered one of the stars on Oklahoma City and opponent’s found them less frustrating, only having to deal with Westbrook’s one-man show.
The only way to test this theory is to determine is to send Adams to Chicago.
Theory three: His face
You know those guys that just have punchable faces? Maybe Adams is just one of those guys.
He’s tried to change his face. This is him during his rookie season:
And this is him today:
But it has not worked. He’s as punchable today as he was five years ago. He just has a punchable face.
Watch this video of DeMarcus Cousins not punching Steven Adams:
He shows restraint because that’s the back of Adams’ head. He does not have a punchable back of the head.
There is some merit to this theory, but it does not explain why players attack his groin area.
Theory four: The James Harden trade
Theorize this any way you want. Players are angry at Adams for breaking up the Oklahoma City trio of Harden, Westbrook, and Durant. They could be angry at Adams for giving Harden his own team in Houston. Maybe, Daryl Morey sent them to destroy Adams to ensure the Harden trade would be the most lopsided trade of all-time, thus making him look like a genius.
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Ron Artest famously elbowed Harden while he was a member of the Thunder. It can’t be a coincidence that Harden is dealt for Adams and players immediately start elbowing Adams. Can it?
No matter your theory, you’re probably correct. Players just enjoy striking Steven Adams.