It was a good season for the Rockets. Reviews continue with the Big Man off the bench, Steven Adams
I was ecstatic when the Houston Rockets traded with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire Steven Adams in February 2024. I had enjoyed watching Adams and following his career from Oklahoma City to New Orleans and Memphis. Unfortunately, we had to wait until the next season to see Adams play as he was recovering from his PCL sprain which he underwent surgery.
Statistics-wise, Adams’ numbers don’t exactly jump out at you, averaging 3.9 points, 1.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, but his development into Alperen Sengun’s perfect running mate in the second half of the season after many were unsure if he belonged on the Rockets.
The new season started in October, and I, along with many others, was disappointed. Adams seemed out of place on the floor, as it looked like he was trying to get up to speed. That combined with Adams’ very limited availability.
In the early stages of the season, Adams was only playing one to two games a week, often needing at least two days of rest before suiting up again. In a sport where the best ability is availability, it seemed Aquaman wasn’t ready to make a full return to the court, but was still able to provide leadership on the bench, providing value that may not appear on the stat sheet, but value nonetheless.
However, as the season went on, Adams began to play better, and it appeared he was better adjusted and was finding his footing. In late February and early March, coach Ime Udoka began experimenting with a double-big lineup. Essentially, Udoka began running Adams and Sengun on the floor at the same time, and it worked!
In a game versus the Indiana Pacers on March 4, Houston struggled through much of the game, but their comeback attempt was sparked by a lineup with both Sengun and Adams. Similarly, Houston was struggling in a game versus the New Orleans Pelicans on March 6, but inserting Adams led to victory. In the time Adams was on the court, Houston went +17. In the 29 minutes that he wasn’t, they went -5. The two-center combination of Adams and All-Star big man Sengun was crucial in grabbing boards, blocking the paint, and reducing the Pelicans’ driving possibilities. Adams finished with 8 rebounds and 6 assists, and New Orleans only scored 38 points in the second half.
On the offensive end, Adams’ role as an offensive rebounder and tough screen-setter helped Houston to take control with 33 of its points in a dominant third quarter. The Rockets outscored the Pelicans 23-5 during seven minutes of Adams and Sengun on the court together that quarter.
Although Houston was unable to employ the double big lineup as effectively in the postseason due to the Golden State Warriors‘ outside shooting, Adams was definitely a staple of this Rockets’ season, and the double big lineup was a joy to watch. I would not be surprised if the Rockets and Adams work out a new contract this offseason.