Here is a comprehensive summary of the Steven Adams Wikipedia article:
Steven Funaki Paea He Ofa Ki Loa Adams, born 20 July 1993, is a prominent New Zealand professional basketball player and one of only three New Zealanders to ever compete in the NBA. Hailing from a family of elite athletes—including Olympic gold medallist sister Dame Valerie Adams—Adams faced a challenging youth after his father's death at age 13, before being mentored into basketball. After playing one season for the Wellington Saints and an impactful year at the University of Pittsburgh (2012-2013), he was selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2013 NBA draft.
Adams spent seven seasons as the Thunder's primary starting center, known for his physical presence and rebounding prowess, before subsequent trades to the New Orleans Pelicans (2020), Memphis Grizzlies (2021), and most recently the Houston Rockets (2024). His journey from Rotorua to the NBA highlights his resilience, making him a unique and influential figure in the league due to his strong defensive play and distinctive personality.