To pay homage to a fellow New Zealander, artist Graham Hoete is painting a gigantic mural of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Steven Adams on a wall nearby the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
According to a report by Anthony Slater of Newsok.com, the mural is on schedule to be completed Tuesday afternoon.
Speaking about his work of art, Hoete, aka Mr. G shared his inspiration for doing this particular project.
“I thought well, man, I’m going to the U.S. and he’s just the man in New Zealand,” Hoete said. “Their whole family, bro, is huge inspirations. Role models. I thought man I gotta get to Oklahoma. Just to show some love, bro. I can’t go to the U.S. and not do one of the bro.”
Per the report, Mr. G sought the permission to paint a wall by posting a shout-out seeking spare wall space on his Facebook page. For those wanting to view the mural live, the painting is donning a wall on The Paramount building located at 701 W. Sheridan Avenue.
Adams was drafted as a center for the Thunder in the first round (12th pick overall) in the 2013 NBA Draft. The Thunder were most recently eliminated from the Western Conference Finals by the Golden State Warriors at the end of May.
Perhaps this massive showcase will at least help Adams and his team overcome the gut punch of narrowly missing their opportunity to play in the NBA Finals.