Steven Adams
Mar 22, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) dunks the ball against Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley (30) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. REUTERS/Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunders centre Steven Adams has announced his unavailability in New Zealand’s FIBA Oceania championship series against Australia in August. The Kiwi star, who will not join the Tall Blacks for a second successive international season, would be unable to play for his home country because of conflicting schedules.

Adams, who displayed a strong performance for the Thunders during the 2014-2015 NBA regular season, said his commitment to being ready for the start of OKC’s campaign for next season had created scheduling conflicts over the coming months as noted by TVNZ. Adams confessed he would not join the Tall Blacks until late on the squad’s current overseas tour, saying that it would not be right to then be part of New Zealand’s preparation against Australian Boomers in their two-match Oceania series.

New Zealand coach Paul Henare was disappointed not to have Adams as part of the team’s international campaign and admitted the news has been a major blow to the Tall Blacks chances of qualifying for Rio 2016 Olympic Games. However, the 36-year-old Henare also understands Adam’s commitment with the Thunders, adding that the Tall Blacks will always be open to accept Adams whenever he is ready to wear the black jersey.

“He is a world class player and would add plenty to our group, just as we believe the Tall Blacks environment will offer plenty to Steve,” Henare said to NZ Herald. "We have enjoyed good open dialogue with him throughout and feel that we have now established a level of communication that has both parties comfortable looking into the future.”

In Adams’ second year with the Thunders, he averaged 7.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, while playing 25 minutes per game. The Tall Blacks are currently in Europe for tune-up games against Croatia and Slovenia before playing in the Stankovic Cup in China. New Zealand will face Australia on August 15-18 in Melbourne and Wellington, with the winner qualifying for next year’s Olympic Games.

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