Name: Steven Adams
Age: 19
Height: 7-foot
Position: Center
School/Country: Pittsburgh
Latest Stats: 7.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.0 bpg
After just one season at Pittsburgh, 7-foot center Steven Adams is headed to the 2013 NBA Draft . Adams came to Pittsburgh by way of Notre Dame Prep (MA), but he originally hails from New Zealand. Adams burst onto the scene after coming over to the United States and was even labeled as a top ten recruit coming out of Notre Dame Prep. However, Adams didn’t necessarily have the dominate year that was expected of him, averaging only 7.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game this past season.
Adams can be labeled as a project player at just 19 years old of age (will turn 20 in July). He has unteachable size, standing at 7-feet tall and weighing in at 250 lbs. Adams has all the makings of a banger in the NBA, but he will need to play more physical than he did this past year at Pittsburgh. Adams has the potential to be a double-double like performer in the NBA, but that’s obviously based off the fact that he blossoms as expected. Adams is a first round talent and could even hear his name called as early as the latter portion of the lottery.
Strengths: Adams size and potential are his two biggest strengths. If he can continue to develop, the future is bright. Remind you, Adams has not been playing competitive basketball here in the United States very long, so his low numbers this season at Pittsburgh are not a true indication of how good he can be at the next level. Adams needs to settle in quickly, but he already has tools that simply cannot be taught.
Weaknesses: Adams’ production can obviously be seen as a weakness. He hasn’t really proven himself much past the potential that has deemed him as a first round selection. Adams needs to be more physical considering he only averaged two free throw attempts per game during his lone season at Pittsburgh. That’s somewhat surprising giving his stature. There’s a ton of upside for Adams, but there’s certainly a lot to still work on.
Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late First Round
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
