Although the new season has not started yet, a large number of players will renew their contracts in advance at this time of year, which can show that they performed well and successfully received the recognition of their team. Only then did they successfully get the new contract and stay in the team for a long time. However, this situation occurs more often in young people, especially young players on rookie contracts. Some players who are close to age also enjoy this treatment, which is somewhat surprising.
This is according to ESPN's related reports, the Memphis Grizzlies have renewed a two-year, $25.2 million contract with center Steven Adams . It seems that the management recognizes the value of "New Zealand Aquaman". Considering that Steven Adams had one year left in the contract, as long as the Grizzlies do not give up on him voluntarily, this will also mean that Steven Adams plays at least in Memphis until 2025. In other words, his final peak period is likely to be dedicated to the Grizzlies team.
Steven Adams entered the league in 2013. At that time, he was selected by Thunder in the 12th pick in the first round. Steven Adams did not become the starter in the rookie season. He was only the substitute for former Celtics champion center Kendrick Perkins . So from the data point of view, Steven Adams averaged only 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, but the players in that class generally performed averagely, so Steven Adams was still selected for the rookie second team.
Since the 14-15 season, the Thunder management and coaching staff have decided to support Steven Adams and make him the team's starting center. Steven Adams is also very successful, and his progress is very obvious, especially after Kevin Durant switched to the Warriors as a free agent in the summer of 2016, the Thunder basically belonged to the Russell Westbrook, , and led the team, but his strengths and weaknesses are obvious. Once the offensive end is on the top, other aspects need to check for missing outings. Steven Adams can be called Russell Westbrook's number one bodyguard. The two cooperated extremely well. In the last three seasons of playing for the Thunder, Steven Adams averaged double-double. Even if the Thunder later exchanged Russell Westbrook for Chris Paul , Steven Adams still performed well.
However, after the 19-20 season, the Thunder officially began to rebuild. In addition to the relatively young Shea Gilgers Alexander in the rotation lineup, all other players were sent away by the Thunder, and Steven Adams joined the New Orleans Pelicans. After coming to his new club, Steven Adams was also conscientious. He averaged 7.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. However, last summer, the Pelicans decided to send Steven Adams to the Grizzlies in exchange for Valan, who is more suitable for the team system. This is not bad for Steven Adams, but he is a traditional inside blue-collar worker, especially the offensive end, and he can only stay at the basket. The Pelicans already have Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram . The offensive end needs to create a wider space, and Steven Adams and these two seem to be not very compatible, so they can only sacrifice him.
Last season in the Grizzlies, Steven Adams averaged 6.9 points, 10 rebounds, 3.4 assists per game. By the time playoffs, his role even became marginalized, and he could only average 3.4 points, 6.4 rebounds per game. But most of the time, Steven Adams plays a huge role on the court, and his three major advantages make this contract look particularly worthwhile. First of all, Steven Adams does not take the ball on the offensive end, but the pick-and-roll screen is extremely solid, which will make -Jia Morant more handy. Although Steven Adams' finishing ability at the basket is slightly worse than that of the top cake eater, it cannot be considered bad. This makes him appear at the basket and his opponents must be guarded.
Secondly, Steven Adams' ability to compete for rebounds is outstanding in the league. Although he has never won the rebounds award, since the Thunder period, Steven Adams often gave backcourt rebounds to Russell Westbrook, allowing him to score points by counterattack, and he is more fighting for the frontcourt rebounds.So through statistics, we can be surprised to find that Steven Adams's long-term frontcourt rebounds account for half or even more. Even after leaving the Thunder, Steven Adams has persisted. It can be said that by sacrificing his data, he has helped the people around him and the entire team.
The last thing is that Steven Adams may be trained by his opponent's guards due to his height and strength, but his ability to protect the frame at the basket is indeed outstanding. Although the league is increasingly advocating links such as speed, sense of space and outside three-pointers, no team dares to say that they do not need traditional centers. Even in high-end games, Steven Adams can provide strong support within 15-20 minutes. What's more, the Grizzlies have always advocated defense and confrontation. Their rise momentum last season was extremely obvious. If it weren't for the injury of the Grizzlies' core Ja Morant, even the Warriors might not be able to win easily. The Grizzlies obviously have a bigger goal next, and Steven Adams is an indispensable part.
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