Adams: Kiwi normal is weird in US
Pledger on the move?
Steven Adams is who he is and if that means he’s weird or socially awkward, he’s not bothered.
The Oklahoma City centre is well known for his random and often humorous comments but his response, when questioned about his relationship with the Thunder’s superstar point guard Russell Westbrook, has raised more eyebrows than a usual wacky Adams interview.
‘‘I don’t look into it too much, it’s just who I am,’’ Adams told
‘‘See, because I’m weird. I’m really f...ing weird. Socially awkward, at best. Just bizarre. [I] say weird stuff all the time. So I don’t look into relationships too much.’’
The Kiwi big man, who will be back on court for the Thunder against the Utah Jazz in game four of their first-round Western Conference NBA playoff match at 2.30pm on Tuesday (NZT), revealed his New Zealand normality is what makes him weird to Americans.
‘‘I think that’s what makes me weird is that I am normal. As bizarre as that sounds – like in New Zealand, I’m just as normal as it gets,’’ he told ESPN.
Oklahoma, who are away to the Jazz in Game Four, currently trail Utah 2-1 in the best-of-seven games series. The Breakers could be poised to part ways with longstanding centre and Tall Black Alex Pledger as they continue to remake their roster ahead of the next Australian NBL season.
Stuff understands Pledger – under contract for next season – has been told he can talk to other clubs about a deal as the Breakers look to go in a new direction with their big men.
They have already allowed veteran power forward Mika Vukona to join the Brisbane Bullets in freeagency and sources indicate Pledger has been told they are looking elsewhere to fill his position.
The 2.13m 31-year-old has been with the Breakers since 2009 and played a key role in all four of their championships.
But in recent years he has been bothered by injuries, and his mobility and explosiveness have been compromised as a result.
Pledger, who will play for the Southland Sharks in the Kiwi NBL, averaged 6.3 points and 5.1 rebounds last season in 15.7 minutes a game. He shot 56 percent from the floor and 68 from the freethrow line.
His productivity has declined since he averaged 10.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 2012-13 and 10.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in ‘13-14.
At his best Pledger has been an excellent rim-protector, rebounder and finisher in the paint for the Breakers and, as has been often expressed about him, ‘‘you can’t coach seven feet’’.
If Pledger does depart, the Breakers have some work to do in their big-man recruitment – especially with the news out of Sydney that former NBA star Andrew Bogut has signed a twoyear deal with the Kings.
They have young power forward Finn Delany signed to a new two-year deal, and reports out of Australia suggest they are favourites to lure back two-time championship winner Tai Wesley, who is off contract with Melbourne.
So far they have Delany, Tom Abercrombie, Shea Ili, new Aussie addition Jarrad Weeks and Pledger under contract for next season.
New head coach Kevin Braswell has said he would love to lure back former star Corey Webster, though he has admitted it might be difficult to prise him from Europe where he has been performing with distinction.
The Breakers did not respond to a request for comment on Pledger’s status at the club.