Rockets’ Rebounding Mastery Shines with Steven Adams at the Forefront
The Houston Rockets are once again establishing themselves as a formidable force on the boards, particularly in offensive rebounding. As the current leaders in both total and offensive rebounds, their prowess on the glass comes as no surprise. This isn’t just a flash in the pan; last season, they also topped the charts in these categories. Remarkably, the Rockets have achieved this success without deploying their double-big lineup for an entire month, a strategy they haven’t used since November 21 against the Denver Nuggets.
A Trio of Dominance
Their rebounding dominance can largely be attributed to the presence of three high-caliber centers: Alperen Sengun, Clint Capela, and notably, Steven Adams. The New Zealand native has been a revelation, particularly on the offensive glass. Adams currently leads the league with an impressive average of 4.8 offensive rebounds per game, a figure that, while remarkable, still falls short of his career-high of 5.1, which he has achieved in two previous seasons. This relentless pursuit of the ball is a significant reason why the Rockets are ranked first in second-chance points, a crucial metric in their offensive arsenal.
All-Star Aspirations
Such impactful play has not gone unnoticed in the basketball community. Analyst Zach Lowe has made a compelling case for the creation of an additional All-Star spot—dubbed the “Rodman spot”—to honor players like Adams who excel in non-scoring roles. On his show, Lowe articulated his vision, suggesting, “We should create a 13th All-Star spot for each conference… You have to be averaging fewer than 10 points per game, and your team has to be above .500. The guy that I would nominate… there’s gotta be something for what Steven Adams is doing.”
Lowe’s endorsement highlights Adams’ transformative impact on the Rockets. His ability to dominate the boards, protect the rim, and facilitate plays underscores his value to the team. In a recent game against the Kings, Adams showcased his physicality against Maxime Raynaud, approaching the matchup with a mindset that suggested he was ready to impose his will on the game, confident in his rebounding superiority.
Adams’ Season Stats Reflect His Impact
Currently, Adams is averaging 6.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, all while boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 53.3% and a true shooting percentage nearing 60% at 59.9%. What stands out, however, is his offensive rebounding efficiency, marked by a career-best 25.4% rate. This level of performance not only underscores his contributions but also brings to light the necessity of recognizing players who may not fit the traditional All-Star mold yet significantly influence their teams’ success.
The conversation around Steven Adams is indicative of a broader appreciation for the unsung heroes of the NBA. His rebounding tenacity and overall gameplay have sparked discussions that could reshape how we view player contributions in the league, reinforcing the idea that excellence comes in various forms. The Rockets’ success on the glass is a testament to Adams’ relentless effort and skill, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
