What Happened to Steven Funaki Paea He Ofa Ki Loa Adams?
Steven Adams is a New Zealand professional basketball player currently with the Houston Rockets. Known for his physicality and rebounding, Adams has played for four NBA teams since his debut in 2013. His 2025-26 season was cut short in January 2026 due to a season-ending left ankle surgery, and he is currently recovering.
Quick Answer
Steven Adams is a center for the Houston Rockets, though he missed most of the 2025-26 NBA season after undergoing season-ending surgery on his left ankle in January 2026. He was traded to the Rockets in February 2024 from the Memphis Grizzlies and signed a three-year, $39 million extension with Houston in June 2025. Adams is expected to return for the 2026-27 season, continuing his role as a veteran presence and strong rebounder.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
NZNBL Champion and Rookie of the Year
Steven Adams played for the Wellington Saints in New Zealand, helping them win the NZNBL championship and earning Rookie of the Year honors.
Drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder
Adams was selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, becoming the second New Zealander drafted into the NBA.
Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team
Following his debut season, Adams was recognized for his strong performance by being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Signed $100 Million Extension with Thunder
Adams signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, solidifying his role as a key player for the franchise.
Traded to New Orleans Pelicans
After seven seasons with the Thunder, Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans and simultaneously signed a two-year, $35 million extension.
Traded to Memphis Grizzlies
Adams was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he continued to be a significant presence in the paint and a strong rebounder.
Signed Extension with Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies signed Adams to a two-year, $25.2 million contract extension, extending his commitment to the team through the 2024-25 season.
Suffered PCL Sprain in Right Knee
Adams sustained a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain in his right knee during a game against the Phoenix Suns, leading to an extended absence.
Traded to Houston Rockets
While recovering from his knee injury, Adams was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks.
Signed Extension with Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets signed Adams to a three-year, $39 million contract extension, demonstrating their long-term plans for the veteran center.
Suffered Season-Ending Left Ankle Injury
Adams sustained a severe left ankle injury during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, which was later diagnosed as a Grade 3 sprain.
Underwent Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Steven Adams underwent surgery on his left ankle, officially ending his 2025-26 NBA season. He is expected to be out for 4-6 months for recovery.
Continuing Ankle Injury Recovery
As of late May 2026, Steven Adams is continuing his rehabilitation from season-ending left ankle surgery and is expected to return for the 2026-27 NBA season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Steven Adams, born July 20, 1993, in Rotorua, New Zealand, embarked on his professional basketball journey after a collegiate year at the University of Pittsburgh. He was selected 12th overall in the 2013 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he quickly established himself as a formidable center known for his elite screen-setting, rebounding, and physical play. Adams spent seven seasons with the Thunder, becoming a fan favorite and a key component of their playoff teams alongside stars like Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant.
In November 2020, Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he signed a two-year, $35 million extension. His tenure in New Orleans was brief, as he was subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in August 2021. With the Grizzlies, Adams continued to be a dominant force on the boards, particularly on the offensive end, and signed a two-year, $25.2 million extension in October 2022, keeping him with the team through the 2024-25 season.
However, Adams' time with the Grizzlies was impacted by injuries. In January 2023, he suffered a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain in his right knee, which sidelined him for an extended period. While recovering from this knee injury, Adams was traded to the Houston Rockets on February 1, 2024, in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three future second-round picks. This trade was seen as a move by the Rockets to acquire a defensive-minded center for the future, despite Adams being out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
Adams made his debut for the Houston Rockets in the 2024-25 season and quickly made an impact with his veteran presence and rebounding prowess. He played a role in the Rockets' 2025 playoff run, including a Game 7 appearance in the first round. In June 2025, the Rockets demonstrated their commitment to Adams by signing him to a three-year, $39 million contract extension, securing his services through the 2027-28 season.
The 2025-26 season, however, brought another significant setback. On January 18, 2026, Adams suffered a severe left ankle injury during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. He was later diagnosed with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain and underwent season-ending surgery on January 28, 2026. This injury officially ended his 2025-26 campaign after playing 32 games, averaging 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds. As of May 28, 2026, Adams is in recovery, with the Rockets anticipating his return for the 2026-27 NBA season.
What If...?
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