Steven Adams

Big frame, excellent size and length. Wide shoulders. Incredibly strong overall. Could probably benefit from a little more upper body strength, but the rest of his body is very strong, especially his arms. Explosive athlete. Runs the floor like a deer both ways and has excellent lateral quickness. Very nimble feet for a guy of his size and build.

His shot used to have a slight hitch in it, but it appears that has gone away. Still unpolished, as he releases at the top of his jump instead of just before the top of the jump. Release is slow as it takes him a lot of time to gather himself as well, but his form looks sound and consistent. His range is only the elbows and FT line, but he looked comfortable shooting from a few feet further than that in warm-ups. His baby hook shot doesn’t get up high enough when being defended in the post. I think he still struggles to keep the ball up high, and he tends to bring the ball down near his waist before going up with a hook shot. Even with all that, his touch near the rim is solid. All his shots are on the rim and they go in because he has a soft touch. His FT form is sound as well. Went 3-4 in the game and looked more confident shooting there than he has in the past.

All of his offensive game is in the deep post. Can work on both blocks, but tended to favor the left block. Was able to establish deep position every time because he overpowered Cheikh Mbodj and David Nyarsuk every time. Had 9 post touches vs. Cincinnati and only 1 vs. DePaul. Solid post footwork and an excellent baseline drop step, especially on the right side. In Cincinnati, he was very patient in the post. Surveyed what’s around him before making any moves. Also a willing passer out of the post either to reset or to cutters. Hit Lamar Patterson cutting down the middle for the basket that put the game away for Pitt late in the 2^nd half.

Looked really hesitant and slow to make any post moves against Donnavan Kirk in the DePaul game. Couldn’t move as quickly as he was in Cincinnati due to a left ankle injury. Solid screener, often forcing the defense to switch on high P&R and create the mismatch for him down low. In the DePaul game, he ran DePaul’s guards into his screens. Dove to the basket hard after setting screens. Doesn’t look to shoot outside jump shots because he understands that’s not a part of his game yet. Solid finisher at the rim and can finish with contact. Drew 2 fouls in the Cincinnati game via posting up and moving without the ball, which he also does well.

Excellent individual and team defender. Excels in man and zone defenses. Has very active hands and goes straight up when contesting and blocking shots. Also rotates very well to cut off drivers and understands and anticipates when guys are going up with shots. Avoided fouls by going straight up in the air with his arms. Hedges high and side ball screens very well and will often make the man pick up his dribble close to 30 feet from the basket. The only downside is that he isn’t quick enough to always recover against big men that can dive to the basket well. Excellent shot blocker. Had 4 blocks vs. Cincinnati and 1 block vs. DePaul.

Definitely altered several shots in the paint in both games. Made sure to communicate on defense and put teammates in the right position. Protects the rim like he gets paid for it. Solid rebounder at both ends. Even though he only had 2 and 4 rebounds vs. Cincinnati and Depaul, respectively, he has the motor, size, and athleticism to come up with the ball off any missed shot. When Pittsburgh was playing zone, he was often out on the perimeter contesting 3 point shots guards. Very versatile defender.

Right thumb was wrapped during the games. Didn’t seem to effect his shooting or catching. Has solid hands and catches everything thrown his way. Only played 29 minutes vs. Cincinnati and 21 minutes vs. DePaul, even though he wasn’t in foul trouble. Was hampered by a left ankle injury vs. DePaul and it was easy to tell his ability to move laterally was effected. I don’t think he demands the ball enough given how efficient he is at creating his own offense and creating offense for others. Has only been playing organized basketball for about 5 years now, so he is still learning the game.

If he comes out this year, he would be a late first round pick. Very likely a lottery pick next year. His offense is still pretty raw, but he is rapidly getting better and better. Has all the tools to become a complete center. Will make at least a solid backup in the NBA in time.

2013 NBA Draft: Drafted #12 in 1st round by Oklahoma City

No records found

No records found