Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has undergone season-ending surgery to address a severely sprained left ankle, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday. The injury occurred during the season, and Adams had been contributing with an average of 5.8 points on 50.4% shooting and 8.6 rebounds, including 4.5 offensive boards, in 22.8 minutes per game.
His valuable presence on the court will be sorely missed, particularly because he is one of the most impactful players on the Rockets, who currently hold a 28-16 record, ranking fourth in the Western Conference. With Adams sidelined, veteran Clint Capela is expected to step into a more prominent role. Additionally, power forward Jabari Smith Jr. may shift to the center position in smaller lineup configurations.
Adams, aged 32, is signed with the Rockets for two more seasons at a total of approximately $25 million. With the trade deadline approaching on February 5, Houston is reportedly exploring options to bolster their frontcourt, potentially looking to acquire another big man either through trade or the buyout market.
As the team navigates this challenging period, they remain focused on maintaining their strong performance and adapting to the changes ahead, which could lead to strategic acquisitions in the near future.