The Houston Rockets have joined the NBA's big man renaissance.
For some time, the big man as an offensive focal point was dying. It was a guard's league. Bigs were expected to protect the rim, rebound, and space the floor - whether from beyond the arch or vertically as a lob threat. They were not expected to create offense.
It was a short-lived change. Now, big man dominate the league's MVP ladder. Nikola Jokic is a perennial candidate. So is Joel Embiid, when he's healthy. If you consider Giannis Antetokounmpo a big, you're not alone.
The Rockets have taken notice. Alperen Sengun is their most productive player. That said, finding an appropriate backup for the Turkish big man has proven difficult. The Rockets hoped they'd landed one by acquiring Steven Adams at last year's deadline, but he's been largely disappointing in 2024-25.
Until recently.
Rockets' Steven Adams is starting to produce
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Over Adams' last three games, he's averaging 3.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 13.0 minutes per game.
A 3-game sample size? Are we serious? Well, here's what's notable about Adams' last three games:
He played in all of them.
It's been said that availability is the best ability. It's something Adams has [struggled with in 2024-25.](https://spacecityscoop.com/houston-rockets-steven-adams-problem) Now, it appears he's working his way back from a season-ending injury. If Adams is available on a nightly basis, he could be the Rockets' primary backup big man for the rest of the year.
For what it's worth, Adams is averaging 11.4 points and 14.1 rebounds per 100 possessions on the season. That latter number is a far cry from the 20.3 rebounds per 100 that he was averaging when healthy during the 2022-23 season, but again, Adams is returning from a season-ending injury.
Is he on the road to recovery?
Rockets should prioritize a shooter over a big man
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If you're intimate with Rockets trade talks, you know they fall into one of three categories: trade for a star, trade for a shooter, trade for a big man.
Let's table the star talks. If the Rockets are going to seek a role player at this year's deadline, it should [be a knockdown shooter.](https://spacecityscoop.com/posts/4-shooters-the-houston-rockets-could-target-this-summer-01hvpcxg8mnx) The team sent out four second-round picks to acquire Adams at last year's deadline. They already invested assets in him. Now, they should invest some faith in him.
The Rockets don't need Adams to be a big minute backup. They should be exploring lineups that feature Jabari Smith Jr. at the 5 as well. Adams should be able to carve out a meaningful role as a bruiser. His defense has perhaps lost a step, but his screens are still earth shattering, and he's still a force on the boards. Adams is a throwback big man:
Sengun can handle the modern responsibilities.