Steven Adams
A New Zealand basketball giant whose physicality, selfless screens, and infectious personality made him a beloved enforcer on NBA courts.
Born 1993 (age 33)·New Zealand basketball player·Birthday: July 20·Millennials
Biography
Steven Adams emerged from Rotorua, New Zealand, with a frame and a story that captivated the NBA. The youngest of 18 siblings, his path to basketball was unconventional, picking up the sport late after a focus on shot put and discus. Drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2013, he quickly carved out a niche as the league's premier bruiser—a center who relished contact, set bone-rattling screens, and dominated the glass with a mix of strength and surprising agility. His time with the Thunder, playing alongside stars like Russell Westbrook, showcased his vital, if often understated, role as a defensive anchor and offensive rebounder. Later stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets reinforced his value as a culture-setter, known for his dry wit, team-first mentality, and the respectful but physical battles he waged with every opponent. Adams became a symbol of Kiwi toughness and humility on the world's biggest basketball stage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Steven was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Steven Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Steven's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- He was the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the highest-selected New Zealand-born player in history at the time.
- He led the NBA in offensive rebounds per game during the 2020-21 season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
- He played a pivotal starting role for the Oklahoma City Thunder team that reached the 2016 Western Conference Finals.
- He authored a bestselling autobiography, 'My Life, My Fight,' detailing his unique journey from New Zealand to the NBA.
Did You Know?
He is one of 18 children born to his parents; his older sister, Valerie Adams, is an Olympic gold medalist shot putter.
He lost part of a finger in a childhood farming accident, which is visible during games.
Before the NBA draft, he played one season of college basketball for the University of Pittsburgh.
He is known for his distinctive long hair and beard, which he has occasionally donated to charity.
“I'm not here to score 30 points. I'm here to get 30 rebounds.”
