Steven Funaki Adams, born on July 20, 1993, is a professional basketball player from New Zealand currently affiliated with the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His journey to the NBA began after a season with the Wellington Saints in 2011, followed by his move to the United States in 2012 to join the Pittsburgh college basketball team.

The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Adams as the 12th overall pick in the NBA draft 2013, where he served as the team’s primary starting center for six consecutive seasons. In November 2020, concluding seven years with the Thunder, Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. Later, in August 2021, he found himself with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Fans affectionately refer to Adams as “Aquaman” owing to his perceived resemblance to actor Jason Momoa.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Steven Funaki Adams
Known As	Steven Adams
Date of Birth	July 20, 1993
Birth Place	Rotorua, New Zealand
Nick Names	Kid Kiwi, Lord Adams, Funaki
Religion	Christianity
Nationality	New Zealand
Zodiac Sign	Cancer
Age	30 years old
Height	2.11 m (6 feet 11 inches)
Weight	265 lb (120 kg)
Hair Color	Dark brown
Eye Color	Dark brown
Build	Athletic
Father’s Name	Sid Adams
Mother’s Name	Lilika Ngauamo
Siblings’ Names	Warren, Ralph, Sid Jr., Valerie, and Lisa Adams
Education	Rotorua Lakes High School ( Rotorua, New Zealand) Scots College (Wellington, New Zealand) Notre Dame Preparatory School (Fitchburg, Massachusetts) University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Marital Status	Unmarried
Sexual Orientation	Straight
Girlfriend	None
Kid	None
Food Habit	Non-vegetarian
Profession	Basketball player
NBA Draft	2013/ Round 1/ 12th pick overall
Position	Center
League	•National Basketball League (NBL) •National Basketball Association (NBA)
Active Years	(2011 – present)
Net Worth	$20 – $25 million
Currently Plays for	Memphis Grizzlies
Jersey Number (recent)	4
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
Merch	My Life, My Fights (Kindle)

Steven Adams Early Life, Family & Education

Born and raised on July 20, 1993, in Rotorua, New Zealand, Steven Adams emerged from a large family of 18 siblings. His father, Sid Adams, an Englishman, and his mother, after settling in New Zealand, faced the challenges of raising a massive family. Unfortunately, Steven’s life was challenging at 13 when his father died from stomach cancer. Subsequently, he moved to Wellington to live with his elder brother, Warren.

Despite the hardships, Steven attended Scots College in Wellington, where he not only excelled in academics but also showcased his basketball prowess under the mentorship of former professional player Kenny McFadden.

Steven Adams Career Beginnings

Steven Adams’ journey to the NBA began with his participation in the NCAA, playing for Pittsburgh’s college team, the Pittsburgh Panthers. After a successful college career, he entered the NBA draft 2013, becoming the first Kiwi player drafted in the first round. 

Oklahoma City Thunder Era

The NBA beckoned in 2013 when the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him as the 12th overall pick. Thus, began a remarkable six-season stint as the Thunder’s primary starting center. Adams’ on-court prowess, marked by solid rebounds and defensive skills, made him a linchpin for the team.

New Orleans Pelicans

After seven impactful years with the Thunder, Adams’ journey took a turn in November 2020 when he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. His tenure with the Pelicans showcased his exceptional rebounding abilities, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier centers.

Memphis Grizzlies

In a significant move in August 2021, Adams found a new home with the Memphis Grizzlies. The change brought fresh challenges and opportunities, adding another chapter to his illustrious career.

Awards & Achievements

Steven Adams has garnered several accolades throughout his career, including:

• NBL Rookie of the Year 2011

• NBL Champion 2011

• Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year 2013

• Big East All-Rookie Team 2013

• NBA All-Rookie Second Team 2014

Net Worth

As one of the highest-paid players on the Grizzlies, Steven Adams boasts an estimated net worth ranging from $20 to $25 million. His earnings come primarily from NBA contracts, with significant increases in salary over the years. He has also secured endorsements from prominent brands like Adidas and Powerade.

Physical Attributes and Nicknames

Standing at an impressive 2.11 meters (6 feet 11 inches) and weighing around 265 lb (120 kg), Steven Adams possesses a towering presence on and off the court. With dark brown hair and eyes, he is often likened to the famous actor Jason Momoa and has earned nicknames such as Kid Kiwi and Lord Adams.

Personal Life

Known for his good looks and athletic prowess, Steven Adams has a significant fan following. While he has been linked to relationships in the past, he is currently private about his personal life. Sources suggest he may have parted ways with his long-time partner, Kayla Kiriau.

Social Media Presence

Through his social media profiles, fans can stay updated on Steven Adams’ professional and personal life. His Instagram (@stevenadams), Twitter (@RealStevenAdams), and Facebook (Steven Adams – Official fan page) offer glimpses into the life of this NBA star.

Steven Adams’ Girlfriend Kayla Kiriau: Life and Career

Steven Funaki Adams, the towering figure in the NBA, has garnered attention for his on-court prowess and his romantic entanglements. Let’s delve into the details and information of his girlfriend, Kayla Kiriau, and their relationship.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Kayla Kiriau
Birth Date	June 15, 1993
Age	30 Years Old
Profession	Basketball player
Nationality	New Zealander
Zodiac Sign	Gemini
Father’s Name	Not Available
Mother’s Name	Not Available
Height	5’8″/1.72 m/172 cm
Eye Color	Brown
Hair Color	Black
Ethnicity	African-American
Religion	Christianity
High School	Sheridan College
College	Point Park University
Marital Status	Not Married
Boyfriend	Steven Adams
Net Worth	$300 – $900 thousand
Social Media	Instagram

Who is Kayla Kiriau? 

Steven Adams has been romantically linked with Kayla Kiriau, a fellow New Zealander deeply involved in the world of basketball. The two share a common background, having been born and raised in New Zealand and a mutual passion for the sport.

Reports suggest that Adams and Kiriau have been in a relationship for quite some time, sharing a connection beyond the public eye—however, recent speculation hints at possible relationship strains, with unconfirmed sources suggesting a cooling off. The absence of mutual social media has fueled rumors of a potential separation.

Despite these speculations, neither Adams nor Kiriau has officially addressed the status of their relationship, maintaining a stoic silence. It’s a testament to their desire to keep their private life shielded from the public’s prying eyes.

Steven Adams’ Dating History

Adams’ romantic history involves two notable names – Kayla Kiriau and Ezel Kokcu. As previously discussed, the former is a basketball player from New Zealand who shares a deep connection with Adams. The latter, Ezel Kokcu, is a Turkish immigrant passionate about entrepreneurship. Adams and Kokcu’s relationship was visible during a visit to New Zealand in 2016, showcasing a shared joy for singing and cheering.

Kayla Kiriau’s Background

Beyond her association with Adams, Kayla Kiriau has carved her path in basketball. Of African-American descent and a devout Christian, she has maintained privacy regarding her parents’ identities. 

Kiriau’s basketball journey started at Sheridan College, where she earned an Associate’s degree in General Studies from 2010 to 2013. She secured a bachelor’s degree in 2015 while continuing her education at Point Park University.

Kayla’s Career

Kiriau’s prowess on the basketball court is evident from her achievements. She played a pivotal role as the starting point guard for the South West Metro Pirates since 2021. Although she has yet to be drafted to the WNBA, her performances showcase her capabilities and potential.

Kyla’s Net Worth 

Kayla Kiriau’s estimated net worth ranges between $300,000 and $900,000 as of 2023. She has carved out a decent livelihood as a professional basketball player, with most of her earnings stemming from her basketball career.

In contrast, Steven Adams, with an approximate net worth of $20 million as of 2023, stands as one of the more financially established figures in the relationship.

Social Media Presence

While Kayla Kiriau is known publicly for her basketball career and association with Adams, she remains private about personal aspects of her life. Her Instagram handle (@kayfezz) is remote, with a modest following of 1,121 followers. This choice reflects her commitment to keeping certain aspects of her life away from the limelight.

The relationship dynamics of Steven Adams and Kayla Kiriau continue to intrigue fans, with the couple maintaining a deliberate silence on the rumors surrounding their status. As they navigate the public scrutiny and the challenges of professional sports, the pair remains steadfast in their commitment to keeping certain aspects of their lives private.