Each member of the projected 2024-25 starting lineup for the Houston Rockets (Fred Van Vleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr.And Alpen Sengun) made HoopsHype’s updated position list for the top 30 players in their respective positions.
But despite the presence of top-tier reserves like Tari Eason and Amen Thompson, it’s veteran center Steven Adams who may have the most proven value heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.
Adams, who was recorded at number 30 on HoopsHype’s Center Listis the only Houston backup on the 2024-25 roster. Frank Urbina explains:
Adams missed the entire 2023-24 season due to injury, but he appears poised to return in 2024-25. We expect to see the same Adams when he returns, an elite screener who boxes out extremely well even if he doesn’t always grab rebounds at high numbers himself. Adams is also a solid finisher around the basket and a valued all-around player in the NBA.
At 31, it’s also worth noting that Adams is entering the final year of his current contract. Thus, Adams should have a financial incentive to restore the league’s value as he works to extend his stellar career into a second decade.
In 10 NBA seasons, Adams has averaged 9.2 points (58.7% FG) and 8.2 rebounds in 26.8 minutes per game. In 2024-25, as he returns after a one-season absence due to a knee injury, he will play a somewhat reduced role as Alperen Sengun’s primary backup (No. 8 on the list of centers).
More: Rockets represented at every position in HoopsHype 2024-25 player rankings
This article was originally published on Rockets Wire: Steven Adams takes stock of HoopsHype’s list of the best 2024-25 NBA centers