Oklahoma City Thunder’s Steven Adams. Photo by Mark Giongco
Adding new pieces to improve the team is one thing, making them fit is different altogether.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been busy this offseason with several moves including the acquisition of four-time All-Star Paul George from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for guard Victor Oladipo and forward Domantas Sabonis.
Apart from George, the Thunder also signed Patrick Patterson to a three-year deal and Raymond Felton for a year at a veteran’s minimum.
The inclusion of the three veterans most notably George was definitely an upgrade for OKC, which relied heavily on MVP Russell Westbrook last season.
But big man Steven Adams, who is a vital part of the team, said the important step is to make sure everyone on the team plays together with one goal in mind.
“He should be able to help us,” Adams said of George during his media availability at NBA Store Glorietta in Makati City. “It all comes down to all of us being on the same page in order for us to get results.”
“Once we do that and the new players feel comfortable then we should be good.”
The 27-year-old George averaged a career-high 23.7 points per game on career-best 46.1% shooting from the field, including 39.1% from the 3-point line last year for the Pacers, a team he played for in his first seven seasons in the league.
The 7-foot Adams, who was candid and gamely spoke with reporters, is in town for the NBA 3X Philippines which begins on Saturday.