Houston’s backup center sounds ready for the season to start.
Here’s some good news for the Houston Rockets as we’re barrelling straight to NBA Training Camp. According to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen, center Steven Adams is not only back on the court, but he supposedly has looked fantastic during team scrimmages. Feigen said:
“The Rockets have been using the (new practice) facility since July. Every player worked out and scrimmaged there either last week or this week. That includes center Steven Adams, who missed all of last season following knee surgery. According to a person familiar with the workouts, Adams was not only cleared to be a full participant but was outstanding in last week’s games.”
Adams was acquired by the Rockets from the Memphis Grizzlies this past February in exchange for Victor Oladipo and draft picks despite being on the shelf following knee surgery, as Rafael Stone put a plan in place for a top-flight backup to starter Alperen Sengun.
When healthy, Adams is a bruising, defense-first big man who also happens to be one of the game’s best offensive rebounders. In his last action in the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 8.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game on 59.7 percent shooting. Adams is also regarded as a top-notch locker room guy and someone who isn’t afraid to stand up for his teammates on the court. It’s an element of veteran toughness that should fit in well.
The 6’11”, 31-year-old Adams is under contract for just this year at $12.6 million, and with the news that he seems fully healthy and ready to go, he’s primed to be valuable to the Rockets when he’s playing or as an expiring in a trade or as a long-term fit if he’s re-signed. Granted, a lot depends on if he can remain healthy, but a back-in-action Adams is nothing but good news for the Rockets.