The Houston Rockets’ innovative double-big lineup featuring Steven Adams and Alperen Şengün captured attention during the 2024-25 NBA season, demonstrating a unique approach by pairing two prominent centers to dominate the boards. While it may be an exaggeration to say the strategy “broke the NBA,” the results were undeniable.
Adams, returning from a two-year absence, initially displayed modest numbers with an average of 2.9 offensive rebounds and 5.6 total rebounds due to limited playing time. However, as he regained his form, his performance skyrocketed. This season, Adams has emerged as a formidable presence on the glass, averaging an impressive 9.6 total rebounds, including a league-leading 5.4 offensive rebounds.
Despite the initial success of this dual-center strategy, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has recently shifted gears. Over the past three games, he has opted for a different starting lineup, placing Josh Okogie alongside Şengün while reducing Adams’ minutes. This tactical move aims to keep Adams fresh throughout the season, especially considering the rigorous demands of professional basketball.
The addition of Clint Capela has played a role in this transition, with the veteran center averaging 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 offensive boards in just 10 minutes of play, translating to 13 rebounds and 5.8 offensive boards per 36 minutes. Capela’s presence provides crucial support, allowing Adams to rest while maintaining a strong rebounding effort.
Tom Haberstroh speculated that the integration of Capela was not only about managing Adams’ workload but also a strategic response to the Dallas Mavericks’ formidable frontcourt, composed of players like Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford. This highlights the dynamic nature of NBA strategies, where teams continually adapt to the strengths of their rivals.
While there are concerns regarding Davis’s frequent injuries, which have kept him sidelined with a calf strain, the Rockets’ decision to reinforce their frontcourt signifies a broader trend in the league toward prioritizing size and rebounding capabilities. As teams like the Nuggets take note of the Rockets’ success with a double-big approach, it could reshape how teams construct their rosters and strategies moving forward.
The evolving landscape of the NBA continues to offer exciting narratives, particularly as teams experiment with different styles of play. The Rockets’ journey highlights not just their resilience in adapting their lineup but also the ever-present quest for competitive advantage in an increasingly challenging league environment.