With the NBA season growing closer, center Steven Adams signed a two-year extension with the Memphis Grizzlies. Here’s a look at the details of the deal, as well as its implications.
Details of deal
On October 2, 2022, Steven Adams and the Memphis Grizzlies agreed to a two-year, $25.2 million deal. Adams appeared in 76 games for the Grizzlies last year, and has been a significant part of their roster. In his first season with the Grizzlies last year, he notched 6.9 points per game, 10 rebounds per game and 3.4 assists per game, with career highs in both rebounding and assisting. He also led the NBA in offensive rebounds per game, averaging 4.6.
Adams’ career
Though he’s only 29, Adams has had an impressive career. For his first seven years in the NBA, he was the primary center for the Oklahoma City Thunder, playing alongside stars like Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Back in 2018, he averaged 13.9 points per game, showcasing his ability to score and rebound based on his team’s needs.
Adams played one season for the New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Grizzlies. During his time there, he averaged 7.6 points per game, 8.9 rebounds per game and 1.9 assists per game. Comparing these with his stats on the Grizzlies, it seems that Adams has found his niche in Memphis.
Grizzlies Squad
Now that Adams is coming back to the Grizzlies, he can fit in with new additions to the team and other returning players. Returning Grizzlies like Desmond Bane, Dillion Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr. already have chemistry with Adams. Ja Morant has signed a five-year, $193 million maximum extension with Memphis, and will continue to capitalize on Adams’ strength and rebounding.
New signings for the Grizzlies this year include Danny Green, Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Tyus Jones. Adams can support talented guards like Green and Jones while Kenneth Lofton Jr. adds to the Grizzlies’ frontcourt. Additionally, Adams acts as a leader for Memphis, which is among the youngest teams in the NBA.
Final Thoughts
Last year, Memphis eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 4-2 victory in the first round of the Playoffs. After a 4-2 loss in the second round to NBA championship-winning Golden State Warriors, Adams and the Grizzlies are ready to return.
Adams will continue to provide reliable rebounding and a defensive powerhouse to the Grizzlies. With his veteran experience, he can guide young Grizzlies and the team can possibly seek its first franchise championship.
Stay tuned for more breaking NBA content, including preseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.
Featured image courtesy of Getty Images
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