Why Steven Adams has been a success for the Memphis Grizzlies

There is no hiding the fact that everyone loved Memphis Grizzlies big man Jonas Valanciunas, who had one of, if not his best season last year. Even if last year wasn’t his best, the big man’s best seasons so far have been with the Memphis Grizzlies. Now, they have Steven Adams, who is taking this team to new heights in different areas.

While Jonas Valanciunas is off in New Orleans averaging a cool 18 points and 15 rebounds a game, yes it has only been six games, the Grizzlies are thriving with Steven Adams in the paint. He brings a skill that was used quite often in Oklahoma City, something the Grizzlies did not do with Jonas a whole lot.

While the two big men are very similar, each with their own superior skillset, Steven Adams looks to be helping the team a lot and is showing that the Grizzlies won the trade.

The Grizzlies won the Steven Adams trade because of the unique skill set that he brings to his table

When the Grizzlies were initially trading away Jonas Valanciunas to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 10th pick in the draft and Steven Adams, the key part of that trade was the pick they were receiving.

Of course, that pick would end up being Ziaire Williams, who has played very well this season. However, not many people thought Steven Adams could almost replicate Valanciuna’s play with Memphis, and give more.

No, he is not scoring quite like the big man now in New Orleans, but he is doing a few other things at or near the same level. Steven Adams can score in the post, but that is not his first option normally.

The unique thing about the big man from New Zealand is that he always almost immediately looks to make a pass from the post, setting up his teammates. Yes, Valanciunas did this too but not as often as Adams does.

With the young guys the Grizzlies have on their roster this year, Adams is allowing them to have a bit more freedom in the offense by opening up cut lanes, and creating space from within the paint, instead of clogging it like it used to be.

Let’s not forget his ability to rebound as well, especially on the offensive end, as he is still one of the best in the league at that. With all the things Steven Adams does well, and the lottery pick they received, I think it is clear who won this trade.