Steven Adams isn’t John Nash, but he just floated a wild game theory – sort of.
During the Houston Rockets’ media day on Tuesday, the veteran NBA big man seemingly sent a warning not just to the NBA but also to the NFL about a possible decline in overall performance come November.
The reason?
GTA 6.
The popular video game franchise is set to release its highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, and Adams seems to believe that it will impact the quality of games in two of the biggest pro leagues in the world.
“I will say, you guys should anticipate November, the performance of the league, league-wide. GTA is dropping,” Adams said, drawing laughs in the room.
“So look at NFL, look at all the leagues and watch them plummet, mate. Just for the month of November, performance is gonna go down. It should come back up though, most of the boys will get it done. Hopefully they finish the game, continued Adams.
“Coaching as well, by the way. The coaching and scouts are gonna be horrendous, mate. Just for November, but it should bounce back in December, hopefully. Should be good.”
Steven Adams with a warning:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) September 22, 2026
"I will say: You guys should anticipate November. The performance of the league…league wide. GTA is dropping. So look at NFL, look at all the leagues and watch them plummet mate. Just for the month of November performance is gonna go down, it… pic.twitter.com/5JblkZpvrt
The game is scheduled to release Nov. 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Meanwhile, the NBA’s 2026-27 season starts Oct. 20, so it will be weeks into the campaign when GTA VI fully arrives and gets everyone’s attention.
Adams has been in the NBA for over a decade. He has seen it all on and off the court, so what the 33-year-old center shared may be more than just a comical bit.
As a veteran on a team brimming with youth, Adams can be the one constantly reminding his teammates to put down the controller and focus on the job.
