Steven Adams: My Life, My Fight by Steven Adams

The previously untold story of Steven Adams' incredible rise to NBA stardom.

New Zealand Listener's Top 100 Books of 2018

For the first time, Steven Adams shares the story behind his meteoric rise from Rotorua to his emerging stardom in the NBA.

Adams overcame the odds to become a top prospect in the 2013 NBA draft. From there he went on to secure a four-year contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder – making him New Zealand’s highest-paid sportsperson ever – and forge a reputation for his intense, physical style of basketball.

In this intimate account of his life story so far, the seven-foot centre reflects on his humble upbringing, the impact of his father’s death when he was just 13, the multiple challenges and setbacks he has faced, early career-defining moments, and what basketball means to him.

Told with warmth, humour and humility, My Life, My Fight is a gripping account from one of New Zealand’s most admired sporting stars.

Steven Adams

Reviews

“ A fascinating read. ”

Jack Tame, Newstalk ZB

Formats & editions

Trade Paperback

9780143771296

July 30, 2018

Penguin

272 pages

RRP $40.00
Online retailers
Or

Find your local bookstore at www.booksellers.co.nz/directory
EBook

9780143771302

July 30, 2018

Penguin eBooks

288 pages
Online retailers

Extract

7. MAKE OR BREAK

I like being the underdog because the only way is up. I relish people doubting me because being able to prove them wrong is so damn satisfying. Luckily for me, there were plenty of people to prove wrong in 2010 and 2011, the busiest, most stressful years of my life. And before you mutter ‘so far’, I honestly don’t think I will experience another period that is as busy and important as those two years were for me. If school and sport count as work – and I believe they do – then I was working 16-hour days. With at least two trainings a day and games every second day on top of school and homework, I didn’t have time for anything else.