Inside The Rockets

Rockets' Steven Adams Must Consider Long Game

Steven Adams has a key role to play for the Houston Rockets in the second half of the season to get ready for the playoffs.
Jeremy Brener|
Feb 3, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) rebounds against New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Feb 3, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) rebounds against New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams is the biggest difference for the team from this year compared to last.

Adams, 31, was out all of last season with a knee injury, which prompted the Memphis Grizzlies to send him to the Houston Rockets at the trade deadline. Adams spent the latter half of last season connecting with his new teammates that he was going to playing alongside in the 2024-25 campaign.

Adams' inclusion in the rotation has been a huge help for Houston. The team is now a playoff contender, and Adams being on the floor for that isn't a coincidence. Though he only averages 3.7 points per game, Adams' impact goes beyond the box score.

The way Adams sets screens for his point guards in Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and Amen Thompson helps the Rockets build a better offense. Then, his rebounding on defense helps the Rockets become one of the best teams in that category in the NBA.

Adams may not play much in the postseason, but there's a good chance he is part of the rotation in some capacity, especially if Houston's opponent has another big that needs to be defended.

Adams' decade of experience in the NBA should come in handy for a Rockets team that has yet to see a playoffs together. Therefore, the Rockets need Adams healthy for the long haul. Don't expect Adams to play in back-to-backs down the stretch because the Rockets cannot take any unnecessary risks.

The goal for the second half of the season is to ensure Adams makes it healthy for when the real games count. If the Rockets can ensure that, they will be a more dangerous team in the postseason.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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