4:13pm: The Grizzlies have officially confirmed Adams’ extension (via Twitter).
4:07pm: Starting center Steven Adams is signing a two-year, $25.2MM extension with the Grizzlies, his agent Darren Matsubara tells ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Adams will earn $17.9MM in 2022/23, so he’ll actually receive a $5.3MM decrease in annual pay on his new deal with Memphis, which will kick in starting in ’23/24. Wojnarowski calls Adams “an immense culture piece” for a young Grizzlies squad who won 56 games last season.
Despite playing just 26.3 minutes per night in ’21/22, a relatively low average for a starter, Adams led the league in total offensive rebounds (349) and offensive rebounding percentage (17.9%), pulling down an average of 4.6 offensive boards per contest in his first season with Memphis. He’s also one of the league’s strongest players and a bone-crushing screener.
While injuries have sapped some of Adams’ athleticism in recent years, he has evolved his game to adapt. He averaged career-highs of 10.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season, the latter an increase of 1.1 over his previous best.
The Grizzlies take advantage of Adams’ passing by running a lot of plays through him in the high post and elbows, using his strength and screening to free the backcourt of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane for open looks. The 29-year-old native of New Zealand is still a solid defender, though not quite as versatile on the perimeter as he once was.
Adams was acquired by Memphis last August as part of the complicated three-team deal that sent Jonas Valanciunas to New Orleans, with multiple draft picks changing hands as well.
In 664 career games with the Thunder, Pelicans and Grizzlies, including 599 starts, Adams holds averages of 9.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 26.8 minutes per night. His career field goal percentage (.587) is the eighth-highest mark in league history, the team notes. Adams also has seven seasons of playoff experience, which is undoubtedly valued by a Memphis team hoping to win its first title.
Interesting signing. He’s a good rebounder, but that’s all.
He definitely doesn’t seem to fit in with what they’re trying to do.
Then why would they extend him?
Do you think every extention is a good idea?
To be honest mate, I’m being parochial. I’m a NZer, supporting a NZer and asking a genuine question.
Ahh. I like Adams, but his game doesn’t really fit into the modern NBA.
I’ve been to New Zealand by the way, my best buddy lives on Waiheke.
Awesome. I live near Devonport, a ferry stop from Waiheke. If you’ve visited him you will have gone past.
He is a strange fit. Young starts and Adams. They should of tried to get Mark Williams in the draft.
Adds a block and a steal a game on average too which is pretty good for a center. He’s not being asked to score, just rebound play defense and be strong in the lane which he does pretty well.
@afsoonero2
He added 0.8 blocks/gm last season, not very good for a 6’11” center (3rd on the team) and 0.9 spg (5th on the team). I guess with the injured starter and the guys that are gone it makes some sense, although maybe not at this price.
Good move. Adams has had a really solid nba career.
Damn good move. He’s a leader and brings toughness. Great for the team culture.
JaVale McGee (17.2 for 3 yrs)
2021-22 — 74 gms, 15.8 mins, 9.2 pts,
6.7 reb, 0.6 ast
Career — 821 gms, 17 mins, 8.9 pts,
5.3 reb, 0.4 ast
Hassan Whiteside (FA) made 2.4 mill in 2021-22 with Jazz White is also two time Blocks champion.
2021-22 – 65 gms, 17.9 mins, 8.2 pts,
7.6 reb, 0.4 ast
Career — 511 gms, 24.7 mins, 12.6 pts,
10.8 reb, .06 ast
Steven Adams (25-2 mill for 2yrs)
2021-22 — 76 gms, 26.3 mins, 6.9 pts,
10 reb, 3.4 ast
Career — 664 gms, 26.8 mins, 9.3 pts,
8 reb, 1.5 ast
Now I know Adams is a better team guy. And I agree he does set great picks. He’s solid for what he does. But he is not worth that much more than those guys. Both put up comparable stats. Even better when you go both ways (O and D). Now I get both might have other issues. And it seems are not always tuned in to playing.
So again why aren’t they getting their due. Even if it’s their doing. It’s freakin insane to me. You let that much money walk away. I have always believed both these guys could be premier rim protectors. Their presence, rebounding, and athleticism for a Big. Yet its never really come to be. It’s just too bad. There isn’t a clearer picture of your worth to a team. Than these three right here.
That’s 7-9 million dollar difference a year.
Yoo the Grizz should kept JONAS.