Rockets 2024-2025 Player Preview: Steven Adams

Steven Adams will play double duty with the Houston Rockets this year. Not only is he the biggest enigma of the squad, but he will also be the biggest human after the departure of Boban Marjanovic. No one can fill space like Boban, but no one is as physically equipped to carry the load of being the biggest on the floor as Adams.

Adams is perhaps the toughest guy in the NBA, and if he's anywhere close to Steven Adams, who hasn't played a meaningful game in nearly two years, he'll fit right in here in Houston.

And above all: Can he be the Steven Adams of old? Considering we haven't seen him play since January 2022, that's the only question that matters. Rafael Stone and the Rockets took a calculated risk last year when they traded the injured big man without knowing if he would ever return to form.

Knee injuries are no small thing, especially for men his size, but from the sounds of it, Stone's gamble will pay off. Recent reports suggest that Adams looked great early in training and is ready to contribute. By acquiring Adams, Stone was able to benefit from securing Alperen Sengun an effective replacement at a reduced price.

On paper, Adams believes he offers Ime Udoka a compelling option should he opt for more physically demanding lineups. Adams' minutes will be a stark contrast to Sengun's minutes. He has made a name for himself in this league as a neutralizing player on defense while at the same time proving that he doesn't need the ball too much on offense. That's important for a Rockets team that may already have too many mouths to feed.

Additionally, any concerns about securing the boards between Adams and Sengun should be put to rest after 48 minutes. Adams' rebounding numbers have continued to rise over the years and actually peaked at his last stop in Memphis, when he averaged 11.5 per game at first glance. This gradual upward trend may have had something to do with Adams' failure to beat Russell Westbrook's triple-double in Oklahoma City, but nonetheless, Adams' massive frame has proven effective in previous rebounding strategies.

Nonetheless, Adams' effectiveness in Houston will come down to staying healthy. Can he stay on the pitch? Can he take some of the burden off Sengun? If so, Adams will prove to be a winning game.