Russell Westbrook Expects Big Things Out Of Steven Adams This Year

<p>Russell Westbrook had high praise for big man Steven Adams when talking with the media following Tuesday's shootaround. </p>

Tuesday, October 18th 2016, 1:34 pm

By: Brett Coppenbarger

Russell Westbrook Expects Big Things Out Of Steven Adams This Year

It’s no secret that Steven Adams is expected to be a huge factor on the Thunder’s win-loss record this season, but there was a bit of worry whenever the big man sprained his ankle in the first preseason game of the season.

Fortunately, it was a minor tweak, and the New Zealander was able to get back on the floor for OKC’s preseason win over the Timberwolves on Sunday, where he put up a monster stat line of 20 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in only 23 minutes of action.

“It’s great man, he’s obviously a big, big part of our team on both sides of the floor, being able to contest at the basket, use his size, he has great touch around the rim,” Russell Westbrook said about Adams return.

While Adams has mostly been known for being a defensive stopper, he was able to showcase more of his offensive skill towards the end of last season, and Westbrook expects even more from him this year.

“I think people are really going to see a side of him this year that people haven’t seen before, especially since he’s improved on his game, he got a lot smarter, learning different things,” Westbrook said. “Me and him have created some type of unity, he knows where I look to go and try to get him easy buckets as well so it’s going to be good for him.”

Thunder big men get some work in the post this morning. #News9Thunder pic.twitter.com/umEUfT3Hqo
— News 9 Sports (@News9Sport) October 18, 2016

Adams averaged just over 25 minutes per game last season, but with no more Kevin Durant or Serge Ibaka in the lineup, look for Adams to get heavier minutes this year and in turn put up some impressive numbers.

","published":"2016-10-18T18:34:28.000Z","updated":"2016-10-18T18:34:28.000Z","summary":"

Russell Westbrook had high praise for big man Steven Adams when talking with the media following Tuesday's shootaround.

","affiliate":{"_id":"5cc353fe1c9d440000d3b70f","callSign":"kwtv","origin":"https://www.news9.com"},"contentClass":"sports_nba","createdAt":"2020-01-31T22:29:34.991Z","updatedAt":"2022-03-30T22:28:10.735Z","__v":2,"show":true,"link":"/story/5e34aa4e527dcf49dad89348/russell-westbrook-expects-big-things-out-of-steven-adams-this-year","hasSchedule":false,"id":"5e34aa4e527dcf49dad89348"};