After coming to New Orleans as part of the 4-team Jrue Holiday trade package, center Steven Adams has taken on a role of veteran leader and defensive menace for a young Pelicans team. His production night in and night out may not show on the stat sheet, but many opponents feel his presence.
Adams is not the most ideal paint defender, lacking the athleticism and quick-twitch muscles to race in and thwart attempts at the rim in a moment’s notice, and opponents forcing him to guard on the perimeter can be an adventure, but he makes many an adversary think twice about driving the ball into the lane and he’s always good for giving maximum grit and grind.