Steven Adams Worthy Of Top Pick

We had been overly-impressed with New Zealand-product and Pittsburgh center Steven Adams last summer at Adidas Nations Camp; he posted a monster 12-point, 20-rebound effort on Day 1 in 2011, and an even better 37-point, 18-point MVP-effort on Day 2 against Team USA.

At this year's camp, Adams looks almost just as impressive in the Cousnelor's games. He has definitely packed on some muscle to his near-7-foot frame and his footwork, one of last year's working points, is steadily getting better. In limited minutes, he was 4-of-5 from the floor, finishing with 10 points and 6 rebounds on Day 1, 8 points, 7 rebounds and a pair of blocks on Day 2. Not shown by the box score, Adams owned Duke forward Mason Plumlee and Texas center Cameron Ridley, frustrating them all scrimmage long with his muscle and length.

As Nerlens Noel of Kentucky shows some major weaknesses in his game by way of his lack of strength, Adams could be the heir apparent to the early mock's top spot.

By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 8- 12 - 12