Brief Introduction of Steven Adams
Steven Funaki Paea He Ofa Ki Loa Adams is a professional basketball player from New Zealand, currently playing as a center for the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Renowned for his formidable strength, exceptional rebounding, and unyielding screen-setting, Adams has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s toughest and most respected big men. He made history as the first New Zealander to be selected in the first round of an NBA draft when the Oklahoma City Thunder chose him with the 12th overall pick in 2013. Throughout his career with the Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, and now the Houston Rockets, he has been a consistent and reliable presence in the paint, valued for his team-first mentality and physical style of play. Off the court, Adams is known for his down-to-earth personality, quick wit, and deep connection to his New Zealand roots.
Steven Adams Overview
| Full Name | Steven Funaki Paea He Ofa Ki Loa Adams |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1993 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 32 |
| Birthplace | Rotorua, New Zealand |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly disclosed |
| Family | Sid Adams (Father), Lilika Ngauamo (Mother), 17 Siblings including Dame Valerie Adams and Lisa Adams |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Reportedly in a long-term relationship with Kayla Kiriau |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $20 million and $32 million |
Early Life and Education of Steven Adams
Steven Adams was born in Rotorua, New Zealand, the youngest of his father Sid’s estimated 18 children with five different women. His father, a former Royal Navy sailor from England, was a towering figure at 6 feet 11 inches, a trait many of his children inherited. Adams’ mother, Lilika Ngauamo, is of Tongan descent. His family is remarkably athletic; his brothers’ average height is 6 feet 9 inches, and his sisters average 6 feet. Two of his half-sisters are world-renowned athletes: Dame Valerie Adams, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in shot put, and Lisa Adams, a Paralympic gold medalist, also in shot put. The death of his father from stomach cancer when Steven was just 13 was a devastating blow. He subsequently struggled with discipline, often skipping school. His older brother, Warren, intervened, moving him to Wellington and connecting him with basketball coach Kenny McFadden. McFadden became a mentor and father figure, enrolling Adams at Scots College, a prestigious private school. After graduating, Adams moved to the United States and attended Notre Dame Preparatory School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, for a semester to acclimate to the American style of basketball.
Steven Adams’s Career
Early Career in New Zealand and College
Adams’ professional journey began in 2011 with the Wellington Saints of the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL). To preserve his college eligibility in the United States, he played without pay. His impact was immediate; he was named the NZNBL Rookie of the Year and helped the Saints secure the league championship. Following his stint with the Saints and a semester at Notre Dame Prep, Adams enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh to play for the Pittsburgh Panthers. In his single season (2012-2013), he started all 32 games, averaging 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. His performance earned him a spot on the Big East All-Rookie Team. Recognizing his potential, Adams declared for the 2013 NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility.
NBA Career
On June 27, 2013, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Steven Adams with the 12th overall pick, a landmark moment for New Zealand basketball. In his rookie season, he earned a place on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Over seven seasons with the Thunder, Adams established himself as the team’s starting center and a cornerstone of their defense. He became known for his incredible strength and rebounding prowess. In October 2016, he signed a significant four-year, $100 million contract extension with the team. During his time in Oklahoma City, he continually improved, recording career highs in scoring, including a 27-point game in 2017.
In November 2020, Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in a multi-team deal. In his lone season with the Pelicans, he continued to be a dominant force on the glass, averaging 7.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. One notable performance included grabbing a season-high 20 rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks.
In August 2021, Adams was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He quickly became a vital part of their young, ascending team, leading the NBA in offensive rebounds per game for two consecutive seasons. His veteran presence and physical play were instrumental in the Grizzlies’ success. He averaged 8.6 points and a career-high 11.5 rebounds during the 2022-23 season. Unfortunately, a knee injury sidelined him for the latter part of that season and the entire 2023-24 season.
On February 1, 2024, while still recovering from his injury, Adams was traded to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets acquired him for his rebounding, screen-setting, and veteran leadership, seeing him as a key piece for their future. In June 2025, demonstrating their commitment, the Rockets signed Adams to a three-year, $39 million contract extension.
Steven Adams Personal Life & Family
Steven Adams comes from a large and uniquely athletic family. He is the youngest of approximately 18 siblings fathered by Sid Adams, who was of English descent. His mother is Lilika Ngauamo, who is Tongan. This mixed heritage contributes to his strong identification with his Pacific Islander and Maori roots. The family’s athletic prowess is legendary in New Zealand. Several of his brothers, including Warren and Sid Jr., played professional basketball in New Zealand’s NBL. His half-sisters, Dame Valerie Adams and Lisa Adams, are both world champions in shot put, with Valerie being a celebrated two-time Olympic gold medalist. Adams maintains a very private personal life. While he is not publicly married, he is widely reported to be in a long-term relationship with Kayla Kiriau, a fellow New Zealander and talented basketball player. The couple keeps their relationship out of the public eye, valuing their privacy amidst the demands of professional sports. Adams is known for his humble and grounded lifestyle, preferring a quiet life over the typical celebrity fanfare.
Awards and Achievements of Steven Adams
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014)
- Big East All-Rookie Team (2013)
- NZNBL Champion (2011)
- NZNBL Rookie of the Year (2011)
Steven Adams Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Steven Adams’ net worth is estimated to be between $20 million and $32 million. His primary source of wealth is his substantial NBA salary earnings. Over his career, he has signed several lucrative contracts, including a four-year, $100 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016 and a two-year, $35 million extension that began with the New Orleans Pelicans. His most recent contract is a three-year, $39 million extension with the Houston Rockets. By the end of his current contract, his career earnings from NBA salaries alone are projected to be well over $184 million. In addition to his on-court earnings, Adams supplements his income through various endorsement deals with brands such as Adidas and Powerade. He has also made strategic investments in real estate and private businesses.
Legacy and Influence
Steven Adams’s legacy is defined by his toughness, relentless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to his team. He is widely regarded as one of the strongest players in the NBA, an enforcer in the paint who changes the dynamic of the game through his physicality and elite screen-setting. His impact often goes beyond the box score, creating opportunities for his teammates and setting a tone of resilience and grit. As the highest-paid athlete from New Zealand, he has become a national icon and an inspiration for aspiring basketball players in a country dominated by rugby. Adams has broken barriers, becoming the first New Zealander selected in the first round of the NBA draft and paving the way for future talent from his home country. His autobiography, “My Life, My Fight,” offers insight into his challenging upbringing and journey to the NBA, further cementing his role as a public figure of perseverance.
Interesting Facts about Steven Adams
- He is the youngest of 18 siblings.
- His father, Sid, was 6’11” and served in the Royal Navy before settling in New Zealand.
- His sister, Dame Valerie Adams, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the shot put.
- To maintain his college eligibility, he played for the Wellington Saints in New Zealand for free.
- He is an avid fan of comic books and Japanese anime.
- He had the New Zealand flag sewn into the lining of his suit jacket for the 2013 NBA Draft.
- He co-authored an autobiography titled “My Life, My Fight,” released in 2018.
- Adams says that Oklahoma City reminds him of his home in New Zealand.
Controversies
Steven Adams has maintained a relatively controversy-free career, known more for his affable personality and on-court toughness than for off-court issues. However, his physical style of play has occasionally led to on-court altercations and scrutiny. Most notably, during the 2016 Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors, he was involved in a highly publicized incident where he was kicked in the groin by Draymond Green. The play sparked significant debate and media attention, though Adams himself generally downplayed the incident with his characteristic humor.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Steven Adams
Steven Adams continues to be a formidable and respected presence in the NBA. As a key player for the Houston Rockets, his veteran leadership, unparalleled strength, and rebounding prowess are considered invaluable assets for the team’s development. Having overcome a significant knee injury, his return to the court is a testament to his resilience and dedication. His journey from a difficult childhood in Rotorua, New Zealand, to becoming one of the most durable centers in the world’s premier basketball league is a powerful story of perseverance. Adams’s legacy will be that of a trailblazer for New Zealand basketball, a consummate teammate, and one of the toughest competitors of his generation. His future plans involve anchoring the Rockets’ frontcourt and continuing to serve as a mentor to the team’s younger players, solidifying his impact both on and off the court.
