Steven Adams and Jason Momoa: Why the NBA’s Aquaman and the Real One Are Basically Twins

You’ve seen the side-by-side photos. One guy is holding a golden trident, screaming at the ocean. The other is setting a screen so hard it looks like he’s trying to displace a small moon.

Honestly, if you put Steven Adams and Jason Momoa in the same room—both with the long, wild hair, the tattoos, and the kind of physical presence that makes ordinary doors look like dollhouse furniture—you’d be forgiven for thinking you were seeing double. It’s one of the internet’s favorite "glitch in the matrix" moments.

But is it just a look? Or is there something deeper connecting the NBA’s "Big Kiwi" and Hollywood’s King of Atlantis?

The Time Steven Adams Actually Got Mistaken for Jason Momoa

This isn't just a fan theory cooked up on Reddit. It has actually happened in real life.

Back in 2016, Steven Adams told TMZ Sports a story about traveling through Croatia. Now, if you’re a 7-foot-tall man with a flowing mane, you’re going to stand out anyway. But the locals didn’t see an NBA center. They saw Khal Drogo.

"I got mistaken for him a lot," Adams admitted with that classic, deadpan Kiwi grin.

The best part? He didn't correct them. Why would you? He basically used the resemblance to get into clubs and enjoy the perks of being a Dothraki warlord.

"It helped me out a lot," he said. When you look like the guy who can talk to sharks or lead a horse-lord army, the velvet ropes tends to drop pretty quickly.

✨ Don't miss: Kaley Cuoco Tit Size: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Transformation

Physical Stats: Comparing the Titans

Let's look at the tape.

Jason Momoa is a big human. By Hollywood standards, he’s a giant. He stands about 6’4” and weighs in around 240 pounds of pure, action-star muscle. He looks like he could pick up a car.

Then there’s Steven Adams.

Adams makes Momoa look like a "normal-sized" guy. The Houston Rockets center (formerly of the Thunder, Grizzlies, and Pelicans) stands 6’11” and weighs a rock-solid 265 pounds.

• Jason Momoa Height: 6’4”
• Steven Adams Height: 6’11”
• The Vibe: Identical.

The resemblance is so uncanny that Shaq even nicknamed him "Aquaman Pollard" during a broadcast. It stuck. If you search for Steven Adams’ nicknames on basketball reference sites today, "Aquaman" is listed right there alongside "Big Kiwi."

The Shared Heritage Connection

It’s not just the hair. Both men carry a deep pride for their Polynesian roots, which heavily influences their public personas and their aesthetics.

Jason Momoa is of Native Hawaiian descent on his father's side. He famously performed a Haka on the red carpet for the Aquaman premiere, a powerful display of Māori culture that resonated globally.

🔗 Read more: Dale Mercer Net Worth: Why the RHONY Star is Richer Than You Think

Steven Adams is Māori. Born in Rotorua, New Zealand, he is the youngest of 18 children. His family is basically a factory for elite athletes; his sister, Dame Valerie Adams, is a literal legend in the shot put with multiple Olympic gold medals.

When you see the tattoos on both men, they aren't just "cool designs." They are deeply personal markers of lineage, protection, and identity. Momoa’s shark tooth tattoo (niho mano) on his forearm is a family crest intended to guard him. Adams’ ink is equally rooted in his New Zealand heritage.

Why the Internet Can't Let This Go

People love a good celebrity doppelgänger. But this one feels earned because both guys share a similar energy.

They are "gentle giants."

Momoa is known for being incredibly warm, often seen giggling in interviews or hugging his co-stars. Adams is the exact same. He’s the guy who will stop mid-play to make sure an opposing player he just accidentally bulldozed is okay. He’s famous for his "no English, bro" defense when referees try to talk to him, and for his genuine, salt-of-the-earth personality.

They both seem like they’d rather be at a backyard BBQ or out on the water than at a black-tie gala.

Have They Ever Actually Met?

The short answer: Yes.

💡 You might also like: Jaden Newman Leaked OnlyFans: What Most People Get Wrong

In August 2024, the stars finally aligned. Jason Momoa and Steven Adams were spotted together at an All Blacks (New Zealand's national rugby team) game. They were joined by other heavy hitters like actor Cliff Curtis and boxer Joseph Parker.

The photos from that day were exactly what you’d expect. Just a group of massive, talented men supporting their team. For fans who had spent years memeing the two together, seeing them in the same frame was the ultimate payoff. No, the universe didn't collapse. But the photo did prove that Adams is, indeed, significantly taller.

The Verdict on the "Twins"

So, are they the same person?

Technically, no. One is a master of the pick-and-roll, and the other is a master of the box office.

But in terms of cultural impact and the "Big Man" archetype, they are cut from the exact same cloth. They’ve both redefined what a modern tough guy looks like—mixing incredible physical strength with a visible connection to their culture and a surprisingly disarming sense of humor.

What You Can Take From This

If you're looking to channel that Momoa or Adams energy, it's not about the 7-foot height (good luck with that). It’s about the authenticity.

1. Embrace Your Roots: Both men lead with their heritage. Whether it's through tattoos or public advocacy, they don't hide where they came from.
2. The "Gentle Giant" Approach: You can be the strongest person in the room and still be the kindest.
3. Consistency Over Hype: Adams has stayed true to his "boring" New Zealand roots despite NBA stardom. Momoa is still the same rock-climbing enthusiast he was before the DC checks started rolling in.

Next time you see a 7-foot-tall guy in a New Zealand airport and think you’ve found a superhero, just remember: you might have actually found someone even tougher—an NBA center.

Check out the footage of their meeting at the All Blacks game to see the height difference for yourself. It’s the only way to truly tell them apart without seeing a basketball or a trident in their hands.

Practical Steps for Fans:

• Follow Steven Adams’ journey with the Houston Rockets to see the "Aquaman" of the hardwood in action.
• Watch Jason Momoa's documentary series On the Roam for a deeper look at the culture and craftsmanship he values.
• Research the significance of the Māori Haka to understand the cultural weight behind the displays both men have shared with the world.