Steven Adams, the NBA center known for his dry humor, joked that the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 could cause a league-wide performance dip because players would stay up all night gaming. This article explains the joke, its context, and whether there’s any real basis for it in the habits of professional athletes.
Who is Steven Adams and Why His Joke Matters
Steven Adams is a New Zealand professional basketball player who has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, and Memphis Grizzlies. He’s widely regarded as one of the NBA’s funniest players, known for his deadpan delivery and self-deprecating anecdotes. His joke about GTA 6 surfaced during a media availability session, where he was asked about the upcoming game’s release. Adams quipped that the game would be so consuming that it could affect players’ on-court performance, a lighthearted nod to the game’s massive popularity and the known gaming habits of many NBA players.
The Context: NBA Players and Video Games
The joke lands because video games are a well-documented part of NBA culture. Many players openly discuss playing games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and 2K during road trips and downtime. Some teams even have dedicated gaming lounges. The NBA has an official esports league (NBA 2K League), and players like Gordon Hayward and Ben Simmons have invested in esports organizations. So when Adams jokes about GTA 6 causing a performance dip, he’s referencing a real, visible subculture within the league.
What GTA 6 Means to the Gaming World
Grand Theft Auto VI is one of the most anticipated video games in history. Announced in February 2022, it’s the first mainline entry in the series since GTA V in 2013. The game’s trailer broke YouTube records, amassing over 100 million views in under 48 hours. Rockstar Games has a reputation for creating immersive, time-consuming open worlds, and GTA Online has kept players engaged for over a decade. The sheer scale and hype around GTA 6 make Adams’s joke relatable to anyone who has lost hours to a Rockstar title.
Is There Any Real Basis for a Performance Dip?
While Adams was clearly joking, there are anecdotal and historical examples of video games affecting athlete performance. In 2018, then-Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons was criticized for playing Fortnite late into the night before playoff games. Similarly, some esports athletes have reported sleep deprivation affecting their reaction times. However, there’s no scientific study linking a specific game release to a league-wide NBA performance drop. Professional athletes have demanding schedules, and most manage their gaming responsibly. The joke works because it exaggerates a real tension between leisure and professionalism.
How Athletes Balance Gaming and Performance
Most NBA players treat gaming as a way to unwind, not as a primary activity. Teams employ nutritionists, trainers, and sleep specialists to ensure players are rested. Some players, like Ja Morant (who has been seen playing GTA during road trips), integrate gaming into their routine without obvious negative effects. The key is moderation. For every story of a player staying up too late, there are dozens of players who game for an hour or two and then get a full night’s sleep. Adams’s joke is a playful acknowledgment of this balancing act.
Common Misconceptions About Gaming and Sports
A common misconception is that all video games are mindless and detrimental to athletic performance. In reality, many games improve hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and reaction time. Some NBA players have even said that playing 2K helps them learn plays and understand opponent tendencies. The concern is not the game itself, but the lack of sleep and physical inactivity that can come with excessive play. The joke doesn’t imply that GTA 6 is bad; it simply highlights the temptation it presents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Steven Adams actually say this about GTA 6?
Yes, Adams made the comment during a press availability, likely in early 2025, when asked about the game’s upcoming release. He delivered it in his typical deadpan style, and it quickly went viral on social media.
Will GTA 6 actually affect NBA player performance?
No, there’s no evidence that a video game release will cause a league-wide performance dip. While some players might stay up later than usual, the NBA season is demanding, and players have professional obligations that take priority.
What is the release date for GTA 6?
As of now, Rockstar Games has announced a release window of fall 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version expected later. No exact date has been confirmed.
Do NBA teams monitor players’ gaming habits?
Teams generally do not monitor gaming, but they do track sleep and recovery. If a player’s performance or health declines, coaching and medical staff will address lifestyle factors, including gaming, as part of a broader conversation.
Are there any real cases of video games hurting an athlete’s career?
There are isolated incidents, like Ben Simmons’ Fortnite controversy in 2018, but these are exceptions. Most athletes manage gaming without issue. The key factor is always sleep and overall physical health, not the gaming itself.
Other Athletes Who Game
Steven Adams is not alone. Many NBA players are known gamers, including:
- Gordon Hayward – An avid League of Legends player and investor in the esports organization Cloud9.
- Ben Simmons – Frequently played Fortnite and even hosted a gaming tournament.
- Ja Morant – Has been seen playing GTA and other titles during downtime.
- Meyers Leonard – Known for his Call of Duty and World of Warcraft sessions.
These players show that gaming can coexist with a successful NBA career, provided it doesn’t interfere with rest and training.
Conclusion: A Joke with a Grain of Truth
Steven Adams’s joke about a GTA 6 performance dip is exactly that—a joke. It works because it taps into the real, visible gaming culture in the NBA and the undeniable allure of a massive game release. While there’s no reason to expect actual on-court slumps, the comment highlights the ongoing tension between modern entertainment and professional discipline. In the end, Adams’s humor reminds us that athletes are human, and even they aren’t immune to the pull of a highly anticipated video game.
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