2013 NBA Draft: Oklahoma City Thunder Prospect Steven Adams


Vincent Pugliese-USA TODAY Sports

With the upcoming NBA Draft less than a month away, it’s time for teams to start seriously evaluating their options. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, many are clamoring for the team to draft a big man and let go of Kendrick Perkins via the amnesty clause.

One of the potential candidates to be taken by the Thunder at the 12th overall pick is Pittsburgh center Steven Adams.

While the Thunder have a multitude of offensive weapons, they need another guy down low that can protect the rim and play defense. Adams certainly offers this.

Adams was not a big offensive threat, only averaging just over seven points per game last year with the Panthers. But, what he gives his future franchise is the ability to block shots and rebound with the best of them.

Per 40 minutes, Adams averaged 5.2 offensive rebounds last year – ranking 3rd in the top-100 prospects in the draft. In just 23 minutes per game, Adams also blocked two shots. Per 40 minutes that’s almost four blocks a night.

Perkins has been one of the most disappointing players for Oklahoma City in the past twelve months, and many of their fans would love to see him amnestied. Adams would absolutely be able to come in and at least play a bit above the level of Perkins right off the bat.

If Adams is there at number 12, which most suspect he will be, the Thunder may need to take a long, hard look at the seven-footer. Giving Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook opportunities for second chance points is too tempting to pass up.

Ryan Heckman is a Senior NBA writer for www.RantSports.com also contributing to the NFL. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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