Now, it’s no secret that I love watching Steven Adams. I mean, who else has written all his season previews and season reviews? I mean, how can you not love the guy? He’s a great teammate, and he was even kind enough to warn media about the drop in production due to the release of GTA 6.
However, despite my fandom, I will do my very
best to keep this as objective as possible. To recap last season, load management and a season-ending injury in 2025-2026 unfortunately hampered Adams last season. He averaged 22.8 minutes per game, scoring 5.8 points and bringing down 8.6 rebounds in 58 regular-season games. Even though he only played limited minutes, he made an impression. He produced one of his best offensive rebounding percentages of his career.
Adams will undoubtedly back up Şengün at center, but he’ll get similar opportunities compared to 2025-2026, pending health. I expect to see more Adams, particularly in games when Houston wants more rebounding or physicality. He can also space the floor a bit, especially if Houston wants to play Adams and Şengün together. He will be used sparingly, especially in big inside matchups or in the second unit.
Adams is a great screen setter and physical presence on the paint. His intangibles — boxing out, getting help, changing shots — should add value beyond the box score, even if his counting stats are low. With Şengün, he can anchor the rim defensively, giving more switching or help with perimeter defense. Houston will probably be on a minutes restriction — coming off a couple of injury-plagued seasons and easing back last season — especially in back-to-backs.
He’ll undoubtedly have “maintenance” or rest days, particularly in less critical games to safeguard his body for the rest of the season. This is because for the Rockets to be successful, Adams has to stay in good health. Any hiccup might see his role shrink or other guys (Clint Capela) may need pick up more minutes, who is esentailly just a worse Steven Adams, or cause a roster move to happen (this is unlikely in my opinion). Adams isn’t a star, but he’s a tough, industrious veteran who can make a difference. The Rockets will gain from having him in He can aid on the boards, offer toughness to the paint and reinforce center depth if Houston uses him smartly (controlling his load, using him in favorable matchups and playing to his strengths).
If all goes to plan, Adams could see a largely similar amount of playing time, and hopefully some increased counting stats, especially in postseason games or against teams with little interior strength. But his biggest impact will likely come in those intangible areas, like screens, boxouts, speeding up the game, and giving Şengün a breather without sacrificing interior defense.
Be sure to check back here at The Dream Shake for more Rockets player season previews.
