Adams finds way to honor pal Collison
Steven Adams charmed us for seven years as the Thunder’s strong-man center. Stone Cold, I liked to call him, and he was traded a year ago to New Orleans in the Thunder’s rebuilding purge.
Adams seemed a squishy fit with the Pelicans, and indeed, New Orleans has sent Adams along to Memphis, in a trade for veteran center Jonas Valanciunas. He’s already charming the folks of Memphis, starting Monday during Grizzlies media day.
Adams has claimed jersey No. 4, since his No. 12 is held by Memphis star Ja Morant. Adams said his No. 4 choice was a tribute to former Thunder teammate Nick Collison.
Adams recalled the Thunder’s ceremony to retire Collison’s jersey a few years ago.
“That’s was a beautiful one,” Adams said. “It was really, really good. It was really good for the organization, too. To retire his jersey ... I miss the old bastard. It was a beautiful moment.”
Adams makes his Oklahoma City return on March 13. That’s the Grizzlies’ only game scheduled in Paycom Center.
Adams played in his old home arena last New Year’s Eve with the Pelicans, but fans were not allowed. That should be different in March, when Oklahomans can pay tribute to one of their favorite players ever.