Stephen Adams “idiotically” acknowledges Kevin Durant’s greatness

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams admits he didn’t really understand All-Star Kevin Durantgreatness until they became teammates with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant says he’s grateful to be reunited with Adamswho has played for the Rockets since 2024. Kevin was traded to Houston during the offseason.

Adams reflected on his first season with the Thunder, who selected him 12th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. Adams talked about what it was like to have Durant as teammate during his rookie seasonaccording to Mladić and the three.

“I’m an idiot, obviously, but it didn’t seem to hit me. Like, honestly, when I came in, because again, I had a weird attitude,” Adams said. “I’m not sure if it’s a thing in New Zealand, but I was just like, ‘Okay, it’s like he’s scoring.’ I was like, ‘Okay, he’s our scorer.’ You know, that’s what I think. I wasn’t like, this is cool, like okay, these guys are good, cool, that’s it.

“It didn’t really have context. I get it now. But like the first three years, whatever. The three years I was with him, I was like, ‘s—t.’

Adams saw KD as the team’s leading scorer, but didn’t consider him an all-time leading scorer until the two played together. Durant won the MVP award in 2014.

What Kevin Durant is thankful for during his time with the Rockets

Rocket Center Stephen Adams revealed a funny story about Kevin Durant at Media Day about when the two went fishing, showing just how close the two teammates are. Durant has watched Adams mature from Thunder rookie to seasoned veteran with the Rockets, a development he discussed in November during his first two months in Houston.

“I don’t believe he’s aged that much,” Durant said of Adams. “He still plays across the frame like he did when he was young. He’s still physical on the offensive glass, sets great screens, runs to screens, gets down low in pick and roll presentations like a big. Yeah, he’s probably learned the tricks of the trade to be a pro in the NBA and how to practice, how to get into games every day.

“But in terms of his talent – his skill level – it still reminds me of the young Steven 10 years ago. And, you know, it’s a testament to his hard work and his dedication. And he’s been through some injuries as well. So how you come back from that shows your mental makeup as a player. So I’m grateful to be back with Steven.”

Durant, Adams and the Rockets will face the Pelicans on Thursday.