Steven Adams Biography: Steven Funaki Paea He Ofa Ki Loa Adams born July 20, 1993 is a professional basketball player from New Zealand, currently playing for the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After a season with the Wellington Saints in 2011, Adams moved to the United States in 2012 to play college basketball at the University of Pittsburgh. He entered the 2013 NBA Draft and was selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Adams became the Thunder’s starting center for six straight seasons. In November 2020, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, and in August 2021, he joined the Memphis Grizzlies. After two and a half seasons in Memphis, Adams was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2024.
Steven Adams Biography
Steven Adams isn’t just a dominant force in the NBA—he’s also a beloved figure in the global basketball community. Born on July 20, 1993, in Rotorua, New Zealand, Adams comes from a uniquely diverse background. His father, Sid Adams, was an Englishman and former Royal Navy serviceman, while his mother, Lilika Ngauamo, is of Tongan heritage. Growing up as one of 18 siblings, Steven was surrounded by competition from an early age. That upbringing helped shape the toughness and determination he’s known for on the court today.
Steven Adams Biography 2025 Details
Born | 20 July 1993 Rotorua, New Zealand |
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Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
Listed weight | 265 lb (120 kg) |
High school |
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College | Pittsburgh (2012–2013) |
NBA draft | 2013: 1st round, 12th overall pick |
Drafted by | Oklahoma City Thunder |
Playing career | 2013–present |
Category | Football Biographies |
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About Steven Adams
Steven Funaki Paea He Ofa Ki Loa Adams is a New Zealand professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. After playing one season with the Wellington Saints, in 2011, Adams moved to the United States in 2012 to play college basketball for Pittsburgh.
Steven Adams Wiki
- Born: 20 July 1993 (age 31 years), Rotorua, New Zealand
- Current team: Houston Rockets (#12 / Center)
- Dates joined: 2024 (Houston Rockets), 2021 (Memphis Grizzlies) ·
- Height: 2.11 m
- Siblings: Valerie Adams, Lisa Adams, Warren Adams, Sid Adams Jr, Ralph Adams
- Education: University of Pittsburgh (2012–2013) ·
- Parents: Sid Adams
Early Life
Steven Adams was born in Rotorua, New Zealand, to a Tongan mother and an English father, Sid Adams. His father, originally from Bristol and a former member of the Royal Navy, settled in New Zealand and had 18 children with five women. Sid stood 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) tall, and his children inherited his height—Steven’s brothers average 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m), and his sisters about 6 feet (1.83 m).
Athletic talent runs deep in the Adams family. Steven’s half-sister, Dame Valerie Adams, is a dual Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion in shot put. Another sister, Lisa Adams, is a Paralympic gold medalist in shot put. His brothers Warren and Sid Jr. played in New Zealand’s National Basketball League, and his sister Gabriella Adams-Gavet represented the New Zealand national basketball team. Steven was just 13 when his father passed away from stomach cancer—an event he has described as a major turning point in his life.
Steven Adams Facts
Where does Steven Adams live? And how much money does Steven Adams earn?
Birth Date | 28-7-1993 |
Heritage/origin | New-Zealander |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion – believes in God? | Non-religious |
Residence | He owns an apartment in Oklahoma, United States. |
Steven Adams Net Worth 2025, Salary
Estimated Net Worth | 20 million Dollar |
Yearly Salary | N/A |
Colleagues | Nick Collison & Dion Waiters |
Steven Adams: Single, Dating, Family & Friends
Relationship status | Single |
Sexuality | Straight |
Partner | Currently in no confirmed relationship |
Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | |
Has any kids? | No |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Valerie Adams (Sister)
- Ralph Adams (Brother)
- Sid Adams Jr (Brother)
- Warren Adams (Brother)
- Sid Adams (Father)
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This fun talented intelligent basketball player originating from Rotorua, New Zealand has a athletic body & oval face type.
Hair color | Dark brown |
Hair type | Straight |
Hair Length | medium long hair (shoulder length) |
Hairstyle | alternative |
Distinct feature | hair |
Skin Tone/Complexion | Type I: Light skin |
Skin Type | Normal |
Beard or Mustache | Beard, Moustache, |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Does Steven Adams smoke? | No, never |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
Height | 213 cm |
Weight | 113 kilo |
Clothing style | alternative |
Favorite colors | white |
Feet size | N/A |
Does Steven Adams have a tattoo? | Yes |
FAQs
What is Steven Adams’ nationality?
Steven Adams is a New Zealand national. He was born in Rotorua, New Zealand, and has represented his country in various international basketball events.
How many siblings does Steven Adams have?
Steven Adams comes from a very large family—he has 17 siblings. His father had 18 children with five different women, making Steven part of a famously athletic family.
What sports do Steven Adams’ siblings play?
Several of Steven Adams’ siblings are athletes. His half-sister Dame Valerie Adams is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in shot put, while another sister, Lisa Adams, is a Paralympic gold medalist in shot put. Other siblings have played basketball professionally in New Zealand.
How did Steven Adams’ father influence his life?
Steven Adams has said that his father’s death when he was 13 was a major turning point in his life. Sid Adams, a towering figure and former Royal Navy serviceman, had a strong influence on Steven’s upbringing and outlook.
What is Steven Adams’ background in college basketball?
Steven Adams played college basketball for one year at the University of Pittsburgh after moving to the United States from New Zealand in 2012. His performance there helped him become a lottery pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Why is Steven Adams known for his toughness?
Growing up in a household of 18 siblings, competition was constant for Steven Adams. This intense environment, along with his physical stature and work ethic, helped mold him into one of the NBA’s most physically tough and resilient players.