Steven Adams' injury battle was 'no easy road' but Rockets are seeing results

Steven Adams returned after a PCL injury and surgery and is contributing for the Houston Rockets; through 26 games he is averaging about six points and 8.5 rebounds while leading the team's strong offensive-rebounding effort, per Cleaning The Glass.

Steven Adams has worked through a long, stop-and-start rehabilitation and is now back with the Houston Rockets, where his physical play and experience have become part of the team's identity. His recovery followed a PCL sprain in January 2023, additional procedures and ultimately surgery that sidelined him for the 2023-24 season. After being traded to Houston in February 2024 he returned to limited court time in 2024-25 and has increased his role this season. The Rockets have used his toughness, defensive presence and offensive rebounding as a distinct element in their rotation. Key details: - Adams suffered a posterior cruciate ligament sprain in January 2023, received a stem cell injection during that season and later elected to have PCL surgery that kept him out for 2023-24. - He was traded to the Houston Rockets in February 2024 and was gradually cleared to play at the start of the 2024-25 season with strict minute and back-to-back limits. - The Rockets signed Adams to a three-year contract extension in June that keeps him with the team through the 2027-28 season, according to the article. - Through 26 games this season he is averaging about six points and 8.5 rebounds in a little more than 22 minutes per game. - Per Cleaning The Glass, Adams has grabbed 21.4% of Houston's missed field goals when he's on the floor, and Houston leads the NBA with a 39.3% offensive rebounding percentage. - Coaches and teammates cited his leadership, physical style and willingness to do the dirty work; Alperen Şengün is expected to miss 10 to 14 days with a sprained ankle, a period when Houston may lean on Adams more. Summary: Adams' return has been built on detailed rehabilitation and gradual ramp-up, and his play is now a clear part of Houston's identity as a physical, offensive-rebounding team. With Şengün expected to be sidelined for 10 to 14 days, the Rockets have indicated they will rely on Adams' physical presence and experience in the near term.