Basketball: Oklahoma City Thunder star Steven Adams' growing skill set is being overshadowed by his strength

Steven Adams has a reputation as one of the NBA's strongest men. Photo / Getty Images

It's no secret Oklahoma City Thunder centre Steven Adams is strong.

Often hailed as one of the toughest men in the NBA, Adams' reputation is that of a physical enforcer. But while strength is a staple of what Adams does on the court, it's not all he has to offer.

Now in his sixth year in the NBA, the 25-year-old has continued to add to his utility belt with a vastly improved passing game and a reliable touch around the rim.

This season, Adams has seen an increased role as a playmaker in the paint, dropping dimes to fellow big men Nerlens Noel and Jerami Grant or dishing the ball back out to his perimeter shooters.

He's also shown time and time again that his touch near the rim is near faultless. Adams is among the NBA's top 10 in field goals made within five feet of the hoop, and boasts a better percentage in the restricted area than three-time All Star Marc Gasol and 2019 All Star Nikola Jokic.

Steven Adams has developed impressive touch around the hoop. Photo / Getty Images

As Adams' output has improved, so has the Thunder's offence. The team is the fifth-best scoring side in the league and held a 37-20 record at the All Star break to sit third in the Western Conference.

It's no coincidence that the Thunder improve as Adams does.

With his ever growing skill set and presence as an immovable object, Adams has developed into a true asset for the Thunder as he anchors their defensive unit which ranks as the third-best in the NBA.

"Obviously Steven has always been a great defender and great rebounder his whole career, but I think he's now giving us a real post presence," Thunder head coach Billy Donovan told Sports Illustrated. "We throw it in to him and he's generating offense for himself or for others and it's led to a great year."