In the most personal interview of his career, New Zealand's most beloved NBA export Steven Adams sits down with Between Two Beers exclusively to tell his full story. From growing up the youngest of 17 in Rotorua, losing his father at 13, and never dreaming of the NBA - to rookie years alongside Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook at the Oklahoma City Thunder, the infamous Draymond Green kicks in the 2016 Golden State Warriors playoffs, and signing a new Houston Rockets contract at 32 after a serious PCL injury, this is the complete Steven Adams story. Steven opens up about going viral for sleeping on an air mattress despite earning millions, training with Dame Valerie Adams, speaking at MIT's Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, owning a regenerative dairy farm near Pukehina, investing in Auckland FC, and a six-year journalling practice that got him through his darkest moments. Plus - 24 free basketball camps across New Zealand for 10,000 kids, and why giving back is the only thing that truly matters to him. Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform. Steve and Seamus are also proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Timestamps: 0:00 Episode Traler & Introduction 3:22 Steven Adams Joins Between Two Beers 8:41 Missing Funerals, Weddings & 21sts for Basketball Dream 9:39 Best Man Speech at Brother Sid's Wedding 11:44 24 Free Basketball Camps For 10,000 Kiwi Kids 21:14 From Raw 19-Year-Old to NBA Star - The Full Career Story 28:09 "I WasTerrible as a Kid" - Hilarious Rugby Story 32:18 Losing His Dad at 13 & How Basketball Saved Him 38:19 Never Watched the NBA - Comparing Himself to Mika Vukona in Front of NBA Scouts 39:39 College in America - "I Hated It!" 1:03:07 The Draymond Green Kicks 1:07:26 The Viral Air Mattress Photo & His Relationship with Money 1:23:04 Steve Tried to Punch His Own Nose to Get a Timeout 1:37:24 Facing Basketball Mortality - 645 Days Injured & Learning to Walk Again 1:48:04 Writing Letters to His 10-Year-Old Self - The Journalling Technique 1:54:44 Dairy Farming, Regenerative Agriculture & Life Outside Basketball 2:04:53 Signing the Rockets Contract While Kayaking in Wellington #nba #stevenadams #nbapodcast #houstonrockets
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As an OKC fan and native to Oklahoma we miss this dude. There's a reason we still have his mural up on a wall in downtown. 💜
What an incredible human Steven is, let us know how you liked this episode!
If ever I read a self-help book, it would have to be written by this dude. He really seems like he's fully in control of everything in his life. Positive mindset, down to earth, a healthy work ethic, deals with his emotions in a healthy way. Great role model and one of my favourite human beings! Also: Props to the hosts for the well thought-out research and proper questions.
I love your podcast, I just wish you weren’t partner with TAB. Gambling destroys lives 🥺
Well done guys. Greatly orchestrated… not the typical kind of things that come up with a Steven Adams podcast or chat. And what shines is just how good a human he is.. his intellect and humbleness. No better representation of a kiwi. Well done and thanks
Well that felt like half an hour watching that, especially his insite into journaling his insecurities and replying in different font as an adult talking to a child, that blew me away and will be using that technique,, brilliant interview,
RIP Kenny, thank you for pushing Steven into ball!
Dude has been in some of the biggest moments in NBA history, played with some of the greatest basketball players to ever grace the the basketball court, i put Steven Adam’s next to Jonah Lomu not just a athlete but a great human, thank you Steve for representing Aoteroa, being a great role model to our people keep up the good work brother.
I loved watching this episode. It actually felt like i was in there having a cool as korero with the brothers. Steven Adams is such a honest, humble and genuine fallah. Thank you for having him as a guest. Never heard of this podcast before this episode. Now ive seen more primo guest be interviewed. Keep up the good mahi.
steven is so simple, relaxed, and content with himself, making him an enigma and the antithesis to us americans
1:30:06 - "she was warming up with my max bench." God damn, no wonder his sister is a multi-time world champion shotputter.
Steven and I lived in the same dorm in Pittsburgh in 2012. The high profile athletes were usually regarded as celebrities, but he was as humble as you'd imagine. I remember him walking around the halls with a guitar being friendly.
the best big brother you could ask for. Big but not a bully. Kind and humble. An awesome role model for kids and adults.
Bro mentioned Mika Vukona 🫡
The man. Great to hear from Steven. Only question they forgot was why he's not playing for the tallblacks
They dont make many like Steven Adams. NZ should be very proud of him.
Really refreshing to see and hear someone that appears to be the same on screen as he is in person. True kiwi. Thanks to the hosts of between two beers. Another great listen & watch.
Shout out to New Zealand as a whole. Beautiful country. Wonderful humans.
Protect Steven at all costs. Incredible human from an incredible family.
As a Celtics fan for my entire life. Stevo is one of my favorite players ever. The guy is a model human being and a fun player to watch who actually impacts winning. Great pod