Steven Adams is fully cleared and will play in preseason. How important will he be in the upcoming season?
Steven Adams suffered a severe grade-three ankle sprain in January 2026. After a successful surgery, Adams was forced to miss the remainder of the 2025–26 NBA season.
His rehabilitation has progressed cleanly, placing him on track to participate fully in Houston’s training camp and suit up for the start of the 2026–27 regular season. Although Steven Adams was limited leading into training camp, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka expects him to see action during Houston's preseason games, and he has been fully cleared.
As he continues his recovery from ankle surgery, the team plans to manage his workload and be cautious with the veteran center early in the regular season. Because of this, he may be rested for specific matches, play limited minutes, and sit out on back-to-back games
Prior to his season-ending injury, Steven Adams served as a key part of the Houston Rockets’ second unit. Over 32 games, he helped the team to an impressive 21–11 record. He averaged 22.8 minutes per game, 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per contest. These numbers only scratch the surface of his true impact.
Adams' signature contribution was his relentless activity on the glass, pulling down 4.5 offensive rebounds per game. That accounted for more than half of his total rebounding output and reinforced his standing as one of the best offensive rebounders in the entire NBA.
Statistically, Adams routinely hovered near an extraordinary 25% offensive rebounding percentage. Reaching that threshold places his rebounding production in historic territory, giving Houston a reliable stream of high-value second-chance possessions and extra possessions per game.
With Adams on the court, Houston generated an elite 121.3 offensive rating, which was 2.8 rating points higher than their overall season average. His physical screening, paint deterrence, and ability to keep plays alive directly elevated the efficiency of Houston's primary ball-handlers and shooters.
Despite his overwhelming utility on the boards, Adams' shooting efficiency was concerning. He shot just 50.4% from the field, and 58% from the free throw line. While that represented a modest improvement relative to some of his previous career low points, it remained a deliberate target for opposing defenses during close late-game situations.
To improve the team’s shooting mechanics and maximize player development, Houston hired renowned assistant coach Chip Engelland. Although Engelland will focus on younger players with bigger roles, such as Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, Adams will still have an opportunity to learn and improve with Engelland.
Adams is already a crucial piece of the Rockets’ second unit, and if he can improve his shooting even a little bit, he can be one of the better backup centers in the entire NBA.
