He would say he has done nothing yet.
He said exactly that after helping the Thunder reach the playoffs last season. Like every team player he wants nothing less than the championship. His obvious hunger for the team's success will be a large part of his value to them.
Now that he has "arrived" and his career is secure for the next four years, it is natural for New Zealanders to hope he will turn out for the Tall Blacks on occasions.
Perhaps he will, but there should be no pressure put upon him to do so. He is in a demanding profession, and those who are paying him have invested heavily in his fitness and commitment to their goals and programmes.
It is enough that we can bask in the reflected glory of his dominance on the court and his personality off it.
With his flowing hair and drooping moustache, he has cultivated a personal image at Oklahoma City as distinctive as his leaps around the basket. He looks and talks like a man comfortable with who he is, seemingly without a trace of conceit. Every recorded comment suggests he remains a down-to-earth Kiwi who has not forgotten those who helped set him on his way.
Returning home between seasons this year, he already was an inspiration, visiting schools and talking to pupils. In his unassuming, down-home way, he presents teachers and parents with a dilemma. Watching and listening to him, every young person can believe there is nothing they might not achieve if they try hard enough. Yet the top echelons of international professional sports are reached by very few who set out with talent, enthusiasm, dedication and hope.
Adams has made it, as did his sister Valerie, and New Zealand could not be more proud.
