When I think about extraordinary sporting families from New Zealand, the Adams family immediately comes to mind. While NBA star Steven Adams often receives the global spotlight, I find it equally fascinating to look at the journey of Sid Adams Jr. His story reflects dedication, resilience, and the powerful influence of family. Although he never reached the NBA, he carved out his own professional basketball career while helping strengthen one of the most remarkable athletic family legacies in New Zealand.
Born on August 27, 1989, Sid Adams Jr. grew up in a household where height, athleticism, and determination seemed almost woven into everyday life. Standing 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm), he became another member of the Adams family to embrace competitive basketball.
Early Life and Family Background
I believe that the history of the Adams family is inextricably linked to the childhood of Sid Adams Jr. His father, Sid Adams Sr., was born in England and served in both the Royal Navy and the merchant navy before relocating to New Zealand to work as a bricklayer. Sid Sr., who was about 6 feet 11 inches tall, gave his children exceptional physical characteristics.
The Adams family was not like other households. Through a number of relationships, Sid Sr. is thought to have fathered about eighteen children. Because of this, many siblings were raised in separate households and occasionally didn’t meet until much later in life. Despite this peculiar familial arrangement, they were able to communicate with each other through basketball.
Sid Sr. constructed a backyard basketball court that was used for more than just games. I see it as the family’s training ground, where toughness, encouragement, and competition were all fostered.
When Sid Adams Sr. died of stomach cancer in 2006, the family’s life took a significant turn. The entire family was devastated by the loss of Steven Adams, who was just 13 years old. The tight relationship that has come to define the Adams family was demonstrated when older siblings stepped forward to help the younger ones.
Sid Adams Jr Basketball Career
Sid Adams Jr. built a respectable professional career in New Zealand’s National Basketball League, commonly known as the NZNBL.
Playing primarily as a forward, he relied on physical play, athletic movement, and team oriented basketball rather than headline grabbing statistics. His role often involved defending multiple positions, rebounding, and providing energy off the bench.
His professional timeline includes the following:
| Year | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Taranaki Mountain Airs | Began professional NZNBL career |
| 2012 to 2013 | Taranaki Mountain Airs | Continued developing as a forward |
| 2014 to 2015 | Manawatu Jets | Most documented seasons statistically |
During the 2014 and 2015 NZNBL campaigns with the Manawatu Jets, Sid appeared in 17 games while averaging:
| Statistic | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 3.6 |
| Rebounds | 3.1 |
| Assists | 0.2 |
| Minutes | 14.6 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 43.9% |
These numbers do not tell the complete story. I view Sid as a dependable role player whose value came through effort, physical defense, and consistency rather than scoring volume.
He also entered the 2011 NBA Draft but went undrafted, continuing his basketball journey within New Zealand instead of pursuing an NBA career.
A Family Built Around Athletic Excellence
Few families anywhere in the world have produced such a remarkable collection of elite athletes.
The Adams siblings have excelled across basketball, athletics, and Paralympic competition. Their shared qualities include exceptional height, physical strength, and resilience.
Sid Adams Sr
The family’s foundation begins with Sid Adams Sr. His influence extended well beyond genetics. He encouraged sports participation and introduced basketball to many of his children.
His impact remained visible long after his passing in 2006.
Valerie Adams
Perhaps the most decorated athlete in the family, Valerie Adams became one of New Zealand’s greatest sports icons.
Her achievements include:
- Two Olympic gold medals in shot put.
- Multiple World Championship titles.
- International recognition as one of the finest female throwers in history.
Her career elevated the Adams family onto the global sporting stage long before Steven entered the NBA.
Lisa Adams
Lisa Adams added another extraordinary chapter to the family story.
She became a Paralympic gold medalist and World Champion in shot put, demonstrating remarkable perseverance while representing New Zealand at the highest level.
Warren Adams and His Lasting Influence
Among the siblings, I find Warren Adams’ influence especially significant.
Before Steven Adams became an NBA player, Warren had already established himself as a professional basketball player in New Zealand’s National Basketball League.
Although detailed statistical records from his era remain limited, Warren earned a reputation as an outstanding forward with impressive athletic ability and physical strength.
His basketball career unfolded during an era when New Zealand attracted experienced international players. Warren competed alongside and against respected professionals, including figures who later became influential coaches.
His greatest contribution, however, came away from the court.
After the death of Sid Adams Sr. in 2006, Warren stepped into a parental role for Steven. He brought his younger brother from Rotorua to Wellington, enrolled him at Scots College, and connected him with basketball mentor Kenny McFadden.
Those decisions transformed Steven’s future.
Without Warren’s guidance, Steven’s path toward American college basketball and eventually the NBA might have looked very different.
I think of Warren as the bridge connecting one generation of Adams athletes to the next.
Ralph Adams and the Basketball Tradition
Another important basketball playing brother is Ralph Adams.
Like Warren and Sid Jr., Ralph competed professionally in the NZNBL and helped establish basketball as the family’s defining sport.
Basketball observers have frequently noted that several of the older Adams brothers possessed exceptional physical gifts and could have achieved even greater recognition with expanded development opportunities available during their playing years.
Their careers helped create a foundation that Steven would later build upon internationally.
Gabriella Adams Gavet and Women’s Basketball
The Adams family’s sporting excellence is not limited to the brothers.
Gabriella Adams Gavet represented New Zealand as a member of the Tall Ferns, the national women’s basketball team.
Her career demonstrates how basketball became a shared passion across multiple branches of the family.
Together with the achievements of Valerie and Lisa, Gabriella helped show that sporting success ran throughout the entire Adams family.
Steven Adams and the Family Legacy
Steven Adams is undoubtedly the family’s most internationally recognized basketball player.
As the youngest sibling, he benefited from the experiences of his older brothers and sisters.
His NBA journey included successful periods with several franchises, including:
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Houston Rockets
Steven has often spoken about growing up in a household where toughness was simply part of everyday life. Competing with older siblings was like learning to swim in rough water. Every challenge made him stronger.
Although Steven reached global fame, the support of siblings such as Sid Jr., Warren, Ralph, Valerie, Lisa, and Gabriella helped shape the environment that made his success possible.
Personal Life
Sid Adams Jr. has led a somewhat quiet life in contrast to a number of his well-known siblings.
There is still little information available to the public concerning his spouse, children, or ties.
Similarly, he is not involved in any well-publicized issues. Basketball and his status as a member of one of New Zealand’s most well-known athletic families dominate his public persona.
Additionally, financial information has not been disclosed. I understand that, in comparison to big foreign leagues, professional earnings would have been small given the size of New Zealand’s local basketball league.
Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1989 | Born on August 27 in New Zealand |
| Early 2000s | Developed as a basketball player alongside his siblings |
| 2006 | Family mourned the death of Sid Adams Sr. |
| 2011 | Entered NBA Draft and joined Taranaki Mountain Airs |
| 2012 to 2013 | Continued NZNBL career with Taranaki |
| 2014 to 2015 | Played for the Manawatu Jets |
| Later Years | Continued to be associated with New Zealand basketball and the Adams family legacy |
FAQ
Who is Sid Adams Jr?
Sid Adams Jr. is a New Zealand professional basketball player born on August 27, 1989. He is best known as one of the older brothers of NBA center Steven Adams and competed professionally in the NZNBL.
How tall is Sid Adams Jr?
Sid Adams Jr. stands 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) tall and primarily played as a forward during his professional basketball career.
Which teams did Sid Adams Jr. play for?
He played for the Taranaki Mountain Airs between 2011 and 2013 and later joined the Manawatu Jets for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Did Sid Adams Jr. play in the NBA?
No. He entered the 2011 NBA Draft but went undrafted and continued playing professional basketball in New Zealand.
Who are the most famous members of the Adams family?
The best known members include Steven Adams, NBA center, Valerie Adams, Olympic champion in shot put, Lisa Adams, Paralympic gold medalist, Gabriella Adams Gavet, New Zealand Tall Ferns player, and basketball players Warren Adams, Ralph Adams, and Sid Adams Jr.
Why is Warren Adams important in Steven Adams’ career?
After the death of their father in 2006, Warren Adams became a mentor and guardian for Steven. He moved Steven to Wellington, enrolled him at Scots College, and introduced him to basketball mentor Kenny McFadden. Those decisions played a major role in Steven’s development into an NBA player.
What made the Adams family unique?
The Adams family is widely recognized for producing multiple elite athletes across basketball, athletics, and Paralympic sport. Their combination of exceptional height, resilience, and strong family support has created one of New Zealand’s most remarkable sporting legacies.
