Steven Adams sounds off on possibility of NBA All-Star berth

Steven Adams is putting up the best numbers of his career this season. Photo / Getty Images

Through his young NBA career, Steven Adams has never been one to openly seek the various accolades usually sought after by players.

A trip to the NBA All-Star game is no different.

Adams has pushed on from his breakout year last season, performing strongly through the Oklahoma City Thunder's first 31 games of the 2018-19 campaign. The 25-year-old is averaging 16.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, both career highs, and as a result, has found himself in the conversation for selection to the All-Star game.

However, he showed just how much he's invested in that accolade in a media session. When asked what selection to the All-Star game would mean to him, Adams took a long pause before saying: "I don't care, mate."

Because selection to the All-Star teams is divided into two categories — guards and frontcourt players — Adams finds himself competing against league superstars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic and teammate Paul George for a spot on the Western Conference team.

As good as Adams has been playing this season, selection won't come easy. Unlikely to get the nod as a starter, with five players chosen from each conference by a combination of fans, media and player votes, Adams' best chance is to earn a reserve spot, which is voted on by NBA coaches.

Adams' continued improvement this season has been an important part of the Thunder's impressive 21-10 start to the year, which sees them sitting second in the Western Conference. He put in another strong performance in the Thunder's latest win this afternoon, a 107-106 victory over the Utah Jazz, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds. George led the way for the Thunder with a 43-point outing, along with 14 rebounds, with 22 of his points coming in the third quarter.

Former MVP Russell Westbrook had a rare quiet outing for Oklahoma City, finishing the game with just eight points, the first time this season that he failed to reach double figures.