Aquaman: Representative of land, sea, and now Space City.
Steven Adams will be holding double duty this year on the Houston Rockets. Not only is he the roster’s biggest enigma, but now he will also be the biggest human following Boban Marjanovic’s departure. No one can fill space quite like Boban did, but no one may be as physically equipped to bear the burden of being the biggest guy on the floor as Adams can.
Adams may be the strongest guy in the NBA, and if he resembles anything close to the Steven Adams that has gone nearly two years since last playing a meaningful game, he’s going to fit right in here in Houston.
Most importantly, can he be the Steven Adams of old? Considering we haven’t seen him play since January 2022, it’s the only question that matters. Rafael Stone and the Rockets took a calculated risk last year when they traded for the injured big man, not knowing if he would ever return to form.
Knee injuries are no small matter, especially for men of his size, but from the sounds of it, Stone’s gamble is going to pay off. Recent reports indicate that Adams has looked great early on in workouts and is ready to contribute. In acquiring Adams when he did, Stone was able to capitalize on securing an impactful backup for Alperen Sengun at a discounted price.
On paper, Adams figures to give Ime Udoka a persuasive option should he opt for more physically imposing lineups. Adams’ minutes will be a stark contrast from Sengun’s minutes. He’s carved his lane in this league as a neutralizing presence on the defensive end, while also demonstrating that he doesn’t require the ball too much on the offensive end. That’s important for a Rockets team that may already have too many mouths to feed.
Also, any concerns regarding the securement of boards should be alleviated between the 48 minutes Adams splits with Sengun. Adams’ rebounding numbers have gradually increased throughout the years and actually peaked in his previous stop in Memphis when he averaged 11.5 per game at last sight. That gradual uptick may have something to do with Adams’ conceding boards to Russell Westbrook’s triple-double pursuit in Oklahoma City, but nevertheless Adams’ massive frame has proved effective to previous rebounding strategy.
Nevertheless, Adams effectivity in Houston will boil down to one thing, staying healthy. Can he stay on the court? Can he take some of the burden off Sengun’s back? If so, Adams will prove to be a successful gamble.