Steven Adams, the towering New Zealand center, has been a staple in the NBA for several years with his dominant presence in the paint. Known for his physicality, defense, and rebounding prowess, Adams has gained a significant reputation across the league. However, as the 2024-25 NBA season kicks off, Adams is trending for reasons that go beyond his on-court performance. Fans and analysts are closely monitoring his health, as injuries have sidelined the veteran center in the early part of the season.
Why Steven Adams is Trending
Steven Adams is currently trending due to ongoing concerns about his health, specifically a left calf strain that has kept him out of action for the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. His injury has sparked discussions among fans and experts alike, particularly because the Houston Rockets, Adams' new team, are eager to begin their season on a strong note. Adding to the intrigue, Adams was expected to play a key role for the Rockets after being acquired in the offseason, but his absence has left a noticeable gap in their lineup.
Additionally, Adams' return to Memphis to face his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies, was anticipated by fans, but recent updates indicate that he will miss the game, leading to further speculation about his recovery timeline. With his health in question, Adams' status has become a major talking point, not only for the Rockets but for the wider NBA community.
The Injury and Its Impact
The injury that has been keeping Steven Adams off the court is primarily a left calf strain, though reports also mention knee issues that are limiting his mobility. According to Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Adams' availability is being assessed "literally day to day, game to game" as the team remains cautious with his recovery process. Udoka's statement highlights the uncertainty surrounding Adams' return, as the team is being careful not to rush him back too soon, especially given the long season ahead.
You can read more about Udoka's comments on Adams' injury in this Rockets Wire article.
Adams' absence is a big loss for the Rockets, who rely on his defensive skills and rebounding to anchor their frontcourt. His ability to protect the rim and set hard screens is critical for both their offense and defense. Without Adams, the Rockets are left to rely on other big men like Jock Landale and Tari Eason to fill the void, though these players lack Adams' experience and physical dominance.
Missing the Memphis Reunion
Adding to the intrigue of Steven Adams' injury situation is the fact that he will be missing a highly anticipated game against his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies. Adams spent a significant portion of his career in Memphis, where he was a fan favorite and a key figure in their recent playoff runs. Fans were looking forward to seeing Adams face off against the Grizzlies, particularly in a matchup that features other familiar faces like Dillon Brooks, who also moved to the Rockets in the offseason.
However, as noted in this Commercial Appeal article, Adams will not be available for the game. This has come as a disappointment to fans on both sides, who were eager to see how Adams would fare against his former teammates. Memphis will have to face their former center without him on the court, which may affect the dynamics of the game significantly.
Cautious Approach to Recovery
Given that Steven Adams is dealing with both knee and calf injuries, it is clear that the Rockets are taking a conservative approach to his recovery. According to a report from FantasyPros, Adams will miss his second consecutive game, signaling that his injuries may require more time to heal. The team’s priority seems to be ensuring that Adams is back to full health before he returns to the court, especially this early in the season.
In Adams’ absence, players like Jock Landale and Tari Eason are stepping up, but they do not bring the same level of impact that Adams does. Landale and Eason have shown flashes of potential, but the Rockets' success will likely hinge on Adams' health and availability as the season progresses. Houston will need their veteran center to return if they are to make a strong push in the competitive Western Conference.
Conclusion
Steven Adams' health is currently one of the most closely-watched storylines in the early stages of the 2024-25 NBA season. His left calf strain and knee issues have kept him off the court, leaving a significant gap in the Houston Rockets' frontcourt. Fans are eagerly waiting for updates on Adams' recovery, especially with the team being cautious about his return. As of now, his absence from key games, including a reunion with his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies, has only heightened the conversation around his ongoing injury concerns.
It remains to be seen when Adams will return to the court, but it's clear that his health will play a crucial role in shaping the Rockets' season. Until then, the team will have to rely on their depth to navigate through this challenging start.