Steven Adams: The Underrated Leader Who Should Be Coaching—In the NBA, Tall Blacks, or Even… Prime Minister?

When you think of Steven Adams, you think of toughness, selflessness, and unmatched efficiency. The Kiwi big man has built a legendary NBA career not on flashy stats but on doing the dirty work that wins games—setting bone-crushing screens, dominating the offensive boards, and anchoring defences with sheer physicality.

But what if his next chapter wasn’t just as a player but as a leader from the sidelines?

Why Steven Adams Would Be a Brilliant Coach

1. Master of Efficiency

• Adams has spent his career maximising his impact with minimal touches. He understands spacing, timing, and how to elevate teammates—something many NBA coaches struggle to teach.
• His ability to read the game (despite not being a primary scorer) shows a high basketball IQ that translates perfectly to coaching.
• When Steven Adams steps to the press conference, you don’t just get clichés—you get a masterclass in basketball IQ, wrapped in dry Kiwi humour. His ability to dissect plays, explain team dynamics, and simplify complex schemes is why he’d be an incredible coach one day.

2. Elite Leadership

• From mentoring young players in OKC to being a glue guy in Memphis and Houston, Adams has always been the voice that unites locker rooms.
• His humor, humility, and hard-nosed approach command respect—a rare combo that great coaches like Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich embody.

3. International & Cultural Impact

• As one of New Zealand’s greatest athletes, Adams could revolutionise the Tall Blacks (NZ’s national team) with his NBA experience and Kiwi pride.
• His ability to connect with players from all backgrounds makes him an ideal leader for a global game.
• The New Zealand basketball community is historically underfunded. With Adams’ involvement, it is likely to bring more commercial interest to the sport domestically.

4. Press Conference Gold: Coaching Clues in Plain Sight

Adams explains complex schemes like he’s talking at a BBQ. He is not just telling jokes—they’re simplified teaching moments NBA coaches spend years mastering

Like fellow Kiwi Sean Marks, Adams could transition from player to front-office success.

Bigger Than Basketball? Why Adams Should Be NZ’s Prime Minister

Okay, maybe this is a stretch—but hear me out.

• Work Ethic: If anyone understands resourcefulness and teamwork, it’s him.
• Diplomacy: His ability to diffuse tension (remember his hilarious player interactions?) is a skill every politician needs.
• Authenticity: In an era of polished PR, Adams’ raw honesty and humour would be a breath of fresh air.

Steven Adams may still have years left as a player, but when he hangs it up, the NBA, Tall Blacks, and even New Zealand politics should be knocking on his door.

The best leaders aren’t always the loudest scorers—they’re the ones who make everyone around them better. And that’s Steven Adams in a nutshell.

FAQ :
Q: Has Steven Adams said he wants to coach?
A: Not yet—but his press conferences show he thinks like one.

Q: Could Adams really coach the Tall Blacks?
A: Absolutely. His NBA experience + Kiwi roots make him ideal.

Do you think Adams would make a great coach (or PM)? 👇 Drop your thoughts in our Steven Adams social media post.