Steven Adams on what it’s like to grow up the youngest of 18 siblings

MANILA, Philippines – Steven Adams had a unique childhood.

The Oklahoma City Thunder center is the youngest of 18 siblings (from 5 different women). He was born and raised in Rotorua, New Zealand before growing up to 7 feet and becoming one of the NBA’s fiercest big men.

Adams, who turns 24 on the 20th, shared the kind of cut-throat dynamic he had with his family.

“It’s tough. It’s rough. We’re not smart, we’re more punches,” Adams recalled with a smile during his media availability on Tuesday, July 18 at the NBA Store in Glorietta, as he promotes NBA Philippines 3X.

“So when you mess up you don’t get corrected like, ‘Aw hey you’ll do better next time.’ It’s like” – Adams punches his hand – “‘Hey, do better!’ That was fun at the time.”

Of the Adams siblings, 6 played basketball for the national team, while others pursued various sports. His sister Valerie is an Olympic gold medalist in shot put. The siblings are reportedly known for their highly athletic genes.

So it came as no surprise that Adams at one point tried his hand at rugby, New Zealand’s most popular sport.

“Yeah I played. I played up until I was like 13,” he said. “And then one time I just got demolished by a big Samoan guy. Just” – he loudly claps his hands – “(split) me in half so I stopped playing after that. Stuck to basketball. It’s just too painful.”

A rough point in Adams’ childhood came when his father passed away when he was just 13. He lost his way a bit before his brother Warren set him back on the right path, ultimately opening the door for him to play basketball.

Coming up as a foreigner in the NBA, despite the increasingly high number of international players already in the league, had its struggles for Adams. But having the support system through his family was crucial.

“Whenever you’re doing something new, it’s just the normal challenges. But it all depends on who’s around you, who’s supporting,” he said. “That was easy for me because I had a good group around me.”

Adams will be at the Mall of Asia Music Hall from July 22 to 23 for the NBA 3X event, which will feature a 3-on-3 tournament and NBA entertainment with the Laker Girls and former NBA coach Reggie Theus also in attendance. – Rappler.com