Steven Adams and the Rockets: A Steady Presence Amid Trade Rumors
The Houston Rockets have been the center of many trade rumors recently, particularly involving Portland Trail Blazers’ Robert Williams III. Williams, a talented but injury-prone big man, has caught the eye of many teams, including the Rockets, due to his impressive rim protection and the relationship he shares with head coach Ime Udoka. The question is: Does Houston really need another center? Or are they already getting exactly what they need from Steven Adams, their backup center?
While the Rockets have been linked to Williams, it’s important to evaluate the performance of their current backup center, the veteran Steven Adams. A name familiar to NBA fans, Adams has made his mark over the years as one of the league's most effective and gritty big men, particularly known for his elite rebounding and defense. This season, he’s averaging a modest 2.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in just 11.1 minutes per game. However, his real impact lies beyond the box score. Adams has been a stabilizing presence on the court, often doing the little things that don't show up on paper but contribute to the team’s success.
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In fact, Adams has been holding his own when compared to Alperen Sengun, Houston’s starting center. Adams’ per-36-minute rebounding average stands out at 15.8, with a staggering 7.8 of those coming on the offensive glass. His efficiency in limited minutes is evident from his plus/minus rating of +2.0 per game, which actually outpaces Sengun's by a small margin. This speaks volumes about Adams’ ability to impact games in his limited role.
Yet, there are signs that Adams’ best days might be behind him. His free-throw shooting remains a weak point, and he’s averaging a career-high in turnovers, which reflects the inexperience of Houston's playmakers. Despite these challenges, the Rockets have consistently outperformed expectations with Adams on the floor, particularly when compared to other centers like Jock Landale, who has struggled this season.
The idea of trading for Robert Williams III has sparked conversation because of his defensive potential, but there’s a risk involved, given his injury history. Williams has shown flashes of brilliance, including a near Defensive Player of the Year performance with the Boston Celtics, but injuries have limited his impact. His numbers this season, averaging 6.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in just 17 minutes per game, showcase his potential, but they also highlight the uncertainty surrounding his health.
For the Rockets, the trade for Williams could make sense if they want to upgrade their backup center position. However, Adams has proven to be a steady, if not flashy, contributor to the team’s success. While Williams may offer more upside if healthy, Adams provides the leadership and reliability that is hard to replace, especially in a young Rockets team that has been looking for stability amidst a rebuilding phase.
So, while the Rockets may be interested in bringing in Williams, it’s crucial to recognize the value Adams brings to the table. Whether the team pursues a trade or continues to rely on Adams for depth, one thing is clear: his contributions to the team’s success cannot be overlooked. As the Rockets continue to navigate the season, fans can rest assured that Adams will play a key role, regardless of whether a deal for Williams or another big man is in the cards.
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