NBA: OKC Thunder teammates back Steven Adams' All-Star credentials

Voting for the NBA All Star game closed on Tuesday night (NZ time), with Kiwi Steven Adams hoping to feature when rosters are announced on Friday.

His superstar teammates believe he should go and Adams is excited by the prospect of representing New Zealand at the NBA's showcase.

The big Kiwi had another strong showing on Tuesday, as the Oklahoma City Thunder eased past the lowly New York Knicks.

Many have described this as a career year for Adams.

"I guess so, mate," he told Newshub. "I'm not much of a numbers guy, but I guess they're saying it for a reason.

"I guess I'm doing better than last year, which is mainly what you want to do."

His modesty is clear, but superstar teammate Paul George sums up well how far Adams has come since being drafted in 2013.

"What's the biggest thing that's impressed you about him this season?" he muses.

"I mean, at the big position, he's got a complete all-around game, outside of the obvious, which is shooting threes… and jump shots.

"But other than that, him on the post, him on the roll, him defensively - there's really no weakness in his game."

That form has him firmly in contention for his first All-Star appearance next month.

"I think it's the first Kiwi to make an All-Star game?" he wonders.

He may be scratchy on his history, but he knows how much support he's receiving from back in New Zealand.

"It's awesome that the Kiwis are getting behind it, mate, and it will be a huge honour, just representing the country.

With a fan vote part of the selection process, that support could be crucial.

Fans account for half of the All-Star Game vote, with players, coaches and media making up the rest.

That means he needs the respect of his peers and not just his fans.

Seven-time All-Star Russell Westbrook says he's got it.

"Definitely, this year, he's playing at an All-Star level and I know guys around the league know that.

"And the coaches know that - he's been doing a great job.

He may well soon be an NBA All-Star, but that's unlikely to excuse him from locker-room pranks.

Newshub.