Adams has ‘solid’ start for Thunder

Photo: Reuters Solid rather than spectacular best describes Kiwi Steven Adams’ first outing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA summer league play yesterday.

Adams, the No 12 pick overall in the recent NBA Draft, confirmed the feeling that he’s a longer-term project with his modest numbers on the opening day of the Orlando summer league tournament.

The 2.13m New Zealander played 20:32 off the bench at centre for the Thunder and finished with two points (from a thunderous alley-oop dunk) on one-offour shooting and a couple of turnovers. No surprises there, as his offence is considered the main aspect of his game most in need of major refinement.

But he did contribute in other areas, picking up six rebounds and making two block shots as the Thunder opened with a 76-68 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Adams’ modest offensive efforts won’t overly concern the Thunder coaches. He had less than a week’s preparation with his new team since joining them postdraft.

Adams told reporters afterwards his coaches had kept it pretty simple for him, telling him to concentrate on defence, rebounding, running the lanes and setting screens.

‘‘You can’t go rushing the process,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m a work in progress so we’re just taking it day by day. I’m working hard every day and getting better.’’

The towering Kiwi said he was happy with the process so far.

‘‘I think I’m doing pretty well. I’m just listening to the coaches, man.’’

Thunder coach Rex Kalamian described Adams’ opening effort as ‘‘solid’’ when he spoke with reporters after the game.

‘‘He has a lot to learn and he knows it,’’ Kalamian said. ‘‘He asks a lot of questions and he’s like a sponge – he really soaks things up. He’s given us good feedback . . . we’ve had great communication between the coaching staff and him and he’s really learning every day. So far it’s been very good.’’

New Zealand Breakers star Cedric Jackson had a frustrating opening day of the tournament with the Miami Heat. The point guard was not required for action as the Heat went down 69-59 to the Utah Jazz.