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via Imago

via Imago

When we think of Steven Adams, we have this image of a huge/ tall Kiwi hoopster making it in the NBA. But there’s more to the Rockets star’s life. He comes from a family full of athletes who will impress and urge you to follow your family traditions, which will keep you going. So, without wasting much of our time, let’s dig deeper into his family.

Who are Steven Adams’ parents? Exploring Rockets Star’s family

Steven Adams’ family history is as unique and diverse as his journey to the NBA. His mother, Lilika Ngauamo, is originally from New Zealand but is Tongan by ethnicity. Lilika worked as a nurse, and though much wasn’t known about her personal life, her influence on Steven was clear. She was a steady presence in his life, but it’s his father, Sid Adams, who shaped his son’s early path.

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Sid Adams, originally from England, was of English and Maori descent. He had lived a fascinating life. Before settling in New Zealand, he first served in the Royal Navy. Later, he worked as a bricklayer to support his family. He had 18 children from six relationships, a fact that paints a picture of a man with a large, complicated family dynamic. Yes, 18, and Steven was born when Sid was a 60-year-old.

Despite his busy life, he always made time for Steven Adams and his siblings. One fact about the father-son duo- Sid introduced his son to basketball. He even built a basketball court in their backyard, where Steven honed his skills!

Sadly, Sid passed away from stomach cancer in 2006, when Steven was just 22 years old. The loss was a devastating blow, one that left a deep impact on Steven. “When I lost my dad, that was a big hit for me,” he once said. Without his father’s guidance, the hoopster struggled, falling into a rough patch. Anger consumed him, and he briefly joined local gangs. The pain of losing his father led Steven down a dangerous path, but there was hope.

One of his brothers, Warren, intervened just in time, rescuing him from this downward spiral. With Warren’s support, he found a new direction. He realized his father’s legacy could live on through him, so he turned his focus to basketball.

“I kind of let go of a lot of stuff,” he said in a candid interview. “It’s not good being angry. At that time, when Dad passed away, I had a whole bunch of anger. Now it’s just like, let it go. I try to feel happier. Don’t give a [darn] about a lot of stuff.”

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Is Steven Adams' success more about talent or the incredible support from his athletic family?

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This turning point was a pivotal moment in his life. Well, it was marking the beginning of his rise to NBA stardom. His father, Sid, had shown him the path to basketball, and now Steven was ready to walk it with a new perspective. He channeled his pain and anger into something positive, ultimately becoming one of the most respected centers in the NBA.

Through the years, the hoopster has kept his father’s memory close, and it’s evident in his work ethic. He often reflects on his father’s guidance and struggles, using those lessons to fuel his career. While Steven’s mother, Lilika, has kept her identity more private, her role as a supportive, loving figure in his life is just as important.

In many ways, Steven Adams’ family history is kinda unique in this new age. From a father who built hoop courts in their backyard to a son who overcame deep loss, their story is one of love, struggle, and triumph. With that, let’s get to know about his siblings.

Who are Steven Adams’ 17 siblings?

All 17 of his siblings’ information is not available, but here are details on a few of them. Among his siblings, Dame Valerie Kasanita Adams stands out as a true icon in athletics. A powerhouse in shot put. She is one of his older sisters and boasts an illustrious career. Well, Steven isn’t the only achiever in the family. His sister’s feats are also not less! Do you know she is a 4x World Indoor Champion? Well, it doesn’t stop there. She is also a 2x Olympic Champion and a 3x Commonwealth Games Champion.

Valerie’s status as one of the greatest female athletes of her time is undeniable, and her career has not only elevated New Zealand’s athletic profile but also was a source of inspiration to Steven and his siblings. So, impressed enough? With that, let’s go to another one.

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Lisa Adams, another older sister, has her own impressive story. She competes in para-athletics, focusing on shot put (F37) and discus throw (F38). Her perseverance in the face of challenges is a testament to her character. Do you know she is a gold medalist? Yes, she is not once, but twice. She made headlines at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, winning Gold in shot put F37.

Her other crowning achievement was in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, where she clinched another gold in shot put F37. Her success in para-sports has not only brought her international recognition but also showcased her unyielding spirit in the face of adversity, inspiring countless athletes worldwide.

The athletic influence in the Adams family isn’t confined to just the sisters. Steven has several brothers who have also made their mark in basketball. Well, the boys have kept the family tradition. Warren Adams, Ralph Adams, and Sid Jr. Adams are his older brothers, each with a history in New Zealand’s basketball scene. You might know them, as Warren and Ralph were known for their time in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL). Competing at a high level, contributing to the development of sport in NZ. Sid Jr. Adams, the youngest of the three brothers, still plays in the NZNBL, continuing the family tradition of basketball excellence.

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Lastly, Gabriella Adams-Gavet, who like the boys, played basketball. She played for the New Zealand Women’s National Basketball Team, the Tall Ferns. Her contributions to the team further cement the Adams family’s deep ties to the hoop!

The Adams family’s athletic prowess is a tale of extraordinary talent and hard work. With each sibling excelling in their various sports, their collective achievements serve as a reminder that greatness often runs in the family. Steven Adams’ NBA career may be the most famous of the bunch, but he is far from the only one leaving a legacy in sports!

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Is Steven Adams' success more about talent or the incredible support from his athletic family?