Steven Adams recalls his beginnings: 'I had no expectations of even making the NBA' / News - Basketnews.com

Steven Adams did not expect to be drafted: 'I was just there for the ride."

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

Steven Adams has transformed into a highly respected veteran big man in today's NBA landscape.

Yet, the Memphis Grizzlies center never envisioned himself making it to the NBA in the first place.

In a recent conversation on "The Old Man & The Three" podcast with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter, Adams reflected on the challenges he faced when starting his NBA journey. He candidly shared his astonishment at being drafted.

"Threw my name in the NBA draft -- averaged 6 and 6, and yeah, went number 12, bro... I was just there for the ride. I had no expectations of even making the NBA. [Rick] Carlisle was the only one brutally honest with me, 'You average 6 and 6, why'd you come out of college,'" Adams recalled.

Adams, now a ten-year NBA veteran, eventually became the 12th pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2013 NBA Draft. He even made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2014 after appearing in 81 games (20 starts) for OKC and averaging 3.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 14.8 minutes.

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