Where will Steven Adams fit in with the Houston Rockets this Season?

The veteran center is set to get his first taste of action in Houston.

Oct 21, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) dunks the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets have a valuable veteran center in Steven Adams, after acquiring him at the trade deadline from Memphis. The 6-foot-11 big from New Zealand has always been a bruiser for playoff teams, and now finds himself backing up Alperen Sengun in Houston, for a team hoping to get back to the postseason.

Adams averaged 8.6 points and 11.5 rebounds in 2022-23, before undergoing season-ending knee surgery in October, causing him to miss all of last season. Despite these injury troubles, Adams was a force when healthy, consistently starting in Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Memphis throughout his ten-year NBA career.

For the Rockets, he will provide veteran experience and hustle off the bench, fitting in with their defensive scheme. Rebounding was a struggle for Houston last season, and hopefully, Adams can fix that.

The 31-year-old, if not a valuable piece for the Rockets, could be traded for a bigger piece if things don't work out. He will be in the final year of his deal, making $12.6 million this season. With most of the Rockets players on smaller rookie deals, Adams allows Houston to make a swing for another player to improve their roster.

The knee injury times poorly with his free agency in 2026, but there is optimism that he can have a bounce-back season for the Rockets. Adams is a tough player with valuable experience and a paint presence. He can certainly be of use for Houston, whether it be on the court as a backup or in a trade.

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