Grizzly Adams ready for new adventure

Steven Adams forged his reputation as a hard-nosed NBA rookie against the Memphis Grizzlies; now he’s on the other side of the fence attempting to resurrect his career as part of that same team.

The 28-year-old New Zealander is well aware he has some diehard fans to win over, as well as a game to get back on track after coming off his worst season since entering the Association.

Adams is playing for his second NBA team in as many years after shifting from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Grizzlies.

It was not lost on the eight-year NBA veteran, either, the poignancy of his new home as he made his first media appearance since relocating to the southwest Tennessee city.

‘‘My reputation here is actually not that great, I don’t think,’’ Adams told reporters in Memphis at a public appearance boxing up teacher kits for use around the city. ‘‘Because Z-Bo [Zach Randolph] punched me in the face as a rookie, and then you

guys lost Game 7 because of it – just to bring up some old stuff.’’

Adams was referring to the epic first-round Western Conference playoff series between his Oklahoma City Thunder and the Grizzlies in 2014 that came down to a deciding game 7 that Memphis star Randolph was suspended for because he had punched the New Zealander late in

OKC’s 104-84 game 6 road victory.

The Thunder claimed the series with a 120-109 victory in the decider back in Oklahoma City, with Randolph a spectator.

‘‘I remember the type of battles [in Memphis], because they had a real gritty team,’’ Adams told reporters. ‘‘I think I have a good idea [about the culture], from playing against it. But I’ll have to see what it is like to actually be a part of it.’’

Adams has plenty to prove in the 2021-22 season which will get under way next month. He is coming off a disappointing campaign with the Pelicans where he averaged 7.6 points (the lowest total since his rookie year), 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists, while shooting 61 percent from the floor and a career-low 44 percent from the line.

Adams is excited about the Grizzlies group he steps into, spearheaded by young stars Ja Mourant, Jaren Jackson Jr and Dillon Brooks.

‘‘Everyone is bloody young, mate,’’ reflected Adams of his new team. ‘‘But we are here to play basketball, and that’s how we communicate through that.’’