Steven Adams is a New Zealand basketball player who currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. He was selected by the Thunder in the 2013 NBA draft and has secured a place as the team's starting center. Rotorua-born Adams got his break into basketball after his father died when he was just 13. An elder brother enrolled him in a basketball academy in New Zealand's capital and Adams was offered a scholarship to one of Wellington's leading schools. From there he went on to play American college basketball at the University of Pittsburgh. He declared for the NBA in 2013, foregoing his final three years of college, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in his first season. In 2016, Adams signed a $100 million four-year contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, making him New Zealand's highest paid sportsperson. With his distinctive long hair and beard, the seven-foot center has attracted a loyal following in his adopted home, where he cuts an intimidating figure on the basketball court.