Ket wide open for Kiwi
New Zealand Breakers’ US tour (NZ times):
October 9: v Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum.
October 11: v OKC Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
[that] we want him to work on is to continue to get better,’’ Donovan said.
‘‘Obviously he’s a really big, strong guy, but just continue to get better all the way around as a basketball player.
‘‘He’s focused on a lot of different things.’’
Adams could benefit from the addition of nine-time NBA All Star point guard Chris Paul, provided Paul isn’t traded away before the season starts.
OKC acquired Italian forward Danilo Gallinari in the George trade, who is projected to start alongside Adams, and the defensive-minded Roberson in the Thunder’s full strength frontline.
Donovan is in the fortunate position where he’s around Adams on a daily basis during the long NBA season. Adams is one of the NBA’s most charismatic personalities and hasn’t let the bright lights, fame, and money of the NBA go to his head. He is revered in All his numbers screamed peak. But his rugby didn’t, because he was consumed by attaining physical perfection.
‘‘If I ate chocolate, had a treat or a beer, I would think I had to train that straight off. In my head everything I did took control. My drive to be so perfect was over-riding all my thoughts. When it came time to play rugby I wasn’t enjoying it because these things were clouding my mind.
‘‘I remember thinking ‘I just can’t enjoy the game I’m supposed to love’. The love of the game has to be genuine. When you can truly love the game, that’s when you’ll be at your best. I’m like that 5-year-old kid. I’ve got nerves but once you get out there you’re just playing, like in the backyard with your brother again. It’s magic.
‘‘I plan my week and there’s a good balance. I know Tuesday night I can have a beer, Wednesday is golf, Thursday I might catch up with Ardie for a coffee.’’
There is a bigger picture in this. New Zealand society has major mental health issues and the All Blacks want to be leaders in this sphere. They want to Oklahoma City, further endearing himself to the community this month when he rocked up to the airport unannounced to welcome home a returning US service member.
‘‘Guys love Steven and they love being around him.
‘‘He’s obviously got a great sense of humour and a great personality — he’s a great team guy.
‘‘All the guys since I’ve been here love Steven – just who he is as a person and as a team-mate.’’
Adams has earned a reputation as one of the toughest players in the NBA, not being shy of taking a charge, standing up to an opponent, or muscling up for a loose ball or rebound.
Donovan described Adams as the quintessential ‘‘team-guy’’, who took more pleasure from helping his teammates, than stuffing his numbers or individual accolades.
In a league where there are no shortage of egos and bold demeanours, Donovan said it was reassuring to see.
‘‘Steven is going to put his body into the game every single night.
‘‘He puts himself physically on the line. He’s a great competitor and a terrific player, and having a chance to work with him every day is great.’’ set a positive example.
‘‘Everyone should be concerned,’’ he says. ‘‘We’ve seen the stats. They’re not great. One suicide is too many. But I can also see why. In New Zealand you grow up and as a man you learn it’s not OK to share your feelings, that it’s a sign of weakness. That’s what we need to change.
‘‘The solution is so easy. It’s as simple as saying ‘come here, mate, express your feelings, tell me how you’re feeling’. Talk to your mates. It’s a hard thing to do but we’ve got to make it OK.
‘‘In our position if we can try our best to make it OK, if kids see Ardie, TJ [Perenara] and myself opening up to our mates or family, hopefully they see that if these guys are doing it, we can as well. New Zealand needs a big shift in this space, but it’s heading in the right direction.
‘‘I see it as a huge honour if I can influence someone because we’ve been through it ourselves. I’m passionate about it. We all are.’’
Caring, sharing and playing the house down. This is some All Black.