Houston Rockets center Steven Adams will not return this season after undergoing surgery on his left ankle, the team confirmed Wednesday. Adams injured the ankle during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 18, a setback that has sidelined him since then.
Injury Details and Impact on Player Performance
The Rockets’ head coach, Ime Udoka, described Adams’ injury as a severely sprained ankle, which necessitated surgical intervention to aid recovery. Standing 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 265 pounds, Adams has contributed significantly to Houston’s lineup in the current campaign.
Through 32 appearances with 11 starts, the New Zealand native ranked second on the team in rebounds, averaging 8.6 per game, alongside a scoring average of 5.8 points.
Adams’ Background and Recent Career Moves
Adams, 32, joined the Rockets after a trade from Memphis in February 2024. Although he missed Memphis’ previous season while recovering from knee surgery, he returned last season to play 58 games, averaging 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds, which helped the Rockets secure second place in the Western Conference standings.
Consequences for Houston’s Season and Team Outlook
Losing a key player like Adams presents a major challenge for Houston, particularly with the stretch run of the NBA season approaching. His absence puts more pressure on the team’s lineup to maintain competitiveness without his presence on the court. The Rockets will need to adjust their strategy as they navigate the remainder of the schedule without one of their strongest rebounders.
