Houston, we don’t have a problem with Adams

Like everything Steven Adams does in the NBA, his latest stop in Houston will be conducted with more foresight, care and consideration than the bruising Kiwi often gets credit for.

The 30-year-old centre this week lobbed into Houston for the first time since being traded to the Rockets from the Memphis Grizzlies in February. He is rehabilitating from knee surgery last October and will not take the court again until next season (he has not played an NBA regular season game since January 22, 2023).

Adams spoke to the media after attending Rockets practice yesterday and provided his usual nuanced insight into the fourth stop in his 11-year NBA career. He has played previously at Oklahoma City Thunder, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Grizzlies.

As well as entertaining local reporters with reflections on meeting Rockets fans for the first time, and his reputation as a fearsome screen-setter, Adams was asked about his potential mentor relationship with young Rockets centre Alperen Sengun whom the 2.11-metre Kiwi is tabbed to understudy in Houston.

The 21-year-old Turk is considered one of the rising stars of the NBA, a reputation he enhanced with a career-high 45 points, 16 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists in a 114101 victory over Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

In contrast, Wembanyama – considered the next generational player to grace the league – had 10 points, 11 rebounds and 7 blocks in 31 minutes.

“I’m not sure,” replied Adams. “Right now it’s just gathering information, hanging around, being around the guys. You can’t just come in like, ‘this is what you have to do’ … you have to build some sort of rapport first, so what you say actually lands and they know it’s coming from a good place.

“It goes both ways. He might teach me something too. Everyone can teach everyone. It’s not an age thing. It’s about being open with everyone because we’re the ones out there battling. That’s the most important thing doing all this – we’ll take care of the Xs and Os, and it’s just about team-mate to team-mate.”

Adams was also asked about his status as one of the most effective screen-setters in the league. Having helped high-level point guards such as Russell Westbrook and Ja Morant find space to operate, could he have a similar impact with Houston’s young backcourt?

“I’m not sure if it helps them,” he said with a smile. “I just like hitting people, bro. People say it helps, so I’ll keep doing it, mate.”

“I just like hitting people, bro.’’

Steven Adams on being one of the best screen-setters in the NBA