NBA Star Jokingly Warns GTA 6 Will Cause 'Plummet' in Player Performance 'League-Wide'

Steven Adams has made an unusual prediction about the impact of Grand Theft Auto VI, joking that sporting performance across major leagues could 'plummet' when Rockstar Games releases the highly anticipated video game in November.

The Houston Rockets centre made the comments during the team's media day on 22 September, as NBA teams officially began preparations for the 2026-27 season. Media day typically centres on training, team goals and expectations, but Adams had a different subject on his mind.

'I will say, you guys should anticipate November, the performance of the league, league-wide... GTA is dropping,' Adams said.

'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.'

The 33-year-old New Zealand international was clearly being humorous, but he appeared to have given some thought to how much attention the latest instalment could command.

Adams Thinks the Coaches' Performance Will Be Affected Too

Adams did not limit his prediction to players. The 12-year NBA veteran suggested coaches and scouts could also become distracted by the game once it arrives.

'It should come back up though, most of the boys will get it done, hopefully they finish the game,' he said.

'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.'

The comments offered a lighthearted moment during an otherwise familiar series of NBA media day interviews. Adams has spent more than a decade in the league and has developed a reputation for his blunt and unconventional answers.

The timing of the release could also make his joke particularly relevant. Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to launch on 19 November 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to Rockstar Games.

The developer previously delayed the title, saying the additional time was needed to deliver the level of quality players expect.

A 13-Year Wait for the Next GTA

The enormous anticipation surrounding the game makes Adams' prediction easier to understand. Grand Theft Auto V was released in September 2013, meaning fans will have waited more than 13 years for a new mainline entry when GTA VI arrives.

The sequel will take players back to Vice City and the fictional state of Leonida. Rockstar has introduced Jason and Lucia as its central characters, with the pair becoming caught up in a criminal conspiracy.

The company has also announced Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album, an official soundtrack featuring 34 tracks. Several singles have already been released ahead of the game's launch.

Rockstar's US store lists the standard edition at $79.99 (£59.15), although prices vary by market and edition.

Whether Adams' prediction actually translates into poorer performances across the NBA, NFL or other leagues remains to be seen. His comments were clearly delivered in jest rather than as a serious assessment of athletes' preparation.

Still, with the NBA season and NFL campaign both taking place when GTA VI arrives, November could provide an entertaining test of Adams' theory.