Former Breakers and Wellington Saints centre Rick Rickert has walked in Steven Adams' shoes and knows how much hard work is ahead of the 19-year-old New Zealander.
Rickert (30), who helped the Saints to a comprehensive 97-72 win against the Otago Nuggets on Sunday with a haul of 16 rebounds and 11 points, told the Otago Daily Times he had not seen a lot of Adams but understands what is ahead of the promising youngster. Adams was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA draft on Friday.
''It is a really exciting time when you get your name called and it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,'' the American said.
''The most important thing or advice that I could give Steve or anyone who is being drafted is you have to keep your blinders on.
''There are going to be a lot of distractions, so just keep focused and keep doing what you are doing and get better and you will succeed.''
Rickert was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the 55th overall pick in 2003. He did not make the team and was eventually released. But a career in basketball does not just end if the NBA door closes. Rickert went on to play professionally in Europe. He joined the Breakers in 2007 and played 73 games for the club. He has also played for the now defunct Harbour Heat in the NBL and was called into the Saints squad in late May.
Rickert has been in fantastic form. In his past three games, he has pulled down 52 rebounds and scored 66 points, including a staggering effort against the Nelson Giants when he registered a double-double of 33 points and 15 rebounds.
''I've seen snippets of Steve but I haven't really seen him play, so I don't know enough to comment. But my guess is, since he does not have a whole lot of basketball experience so far - he just picked it up a few years ago I'm told - they may send him down to the D-League just to get some games under his belt.
''That is not uncommon. It happens to a lot of guys and it is a good thing. The D-League is there for the development of draft picks and he might have a good opportunity there.''
However, with Thunder centre Kendrick Perkins ageing, the team could use some back-up for Serge Ibaka.
''Depending on how he goes at practice, he might stay on the main roster for a while for all I know. There is no way of knowing what they are thinking at the moment.
''But Adams has a great body. He is strong, he's athletic, he just needs to play the game. He needs to get minutes and that is why he may go down to the D-League.''
