Rockets locked in front of the free market, showing efficiency and leadership responsibility after returning from injury

On June 15, according to well-known reporter Shams Charania, the Houston Rockets have reached a three-year contract extension with the team's center Steven Adams with a total value of $39 million. Rockets reporter Kelly Iko added that the contract is fully guaranteed and does not include player or team options, which fully demonstrates the team's firm trust in the veteran.

The free market is fast locked in front of the free market. The Lakers Warriors had intended to be 32 years old next month. Adams, who was originally scheduled to become a full free agent this summer, which could have triggered competition for multiple teams. But the Rockets management acted quickly and finalized the contract renewal before the free market opened, successfully leaving the inside pillar in Houston. According to league sources, many teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, have expressed interest in Adams, but Rockets boss Stone takes action quickly, accurately and intercepts in advance.

The key role of returning from injury is the best, and the efficiency is the best in the whole team. Adams missed the entire 2023-24 season due to a knee injury and returned at the end of October last year. Although the basic data seems plain (averages 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in the regular season, and 5.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in the playoffs), its influence on the field is far beyond paper. This season, his offensive rebounding rate ranks first in the league, and is the cornerstone of the Rockets becoming the league's top offensive rebounding team.

What truly reflects Adams' value is its amazing value of efficiency. During the regular season, when he was on the court, the Rockets' net efficiency was as high as +9.4; in the first round of the playoffs, the number soared to a shocking +14.1, with both statistics being the highest in the team. A more intuitive stat in the series is: Adams scored 44 points against the Warriors when he played, while the team lost 44 points when he was off the court. The barrier he built on the defensive end made the Warriors' offense frequently disappointed. Adams, who has 11 years of NBA experience, plays multiple key roles in the Rockets' first playoff journey since 2020. He is not only a reliable rotation center, but also a Dinghai Shenxin and a young core mentor in the locker room. Coach Uduka has repeatedly stated that Adams' role in helping young insiders such as Shinkyung and Jabarry Smith understand the game, improve defensive details and rebounding positioning skills. This invisible leadership value is the core reason why the Rockets are determined to finalize a contract renewal before the free market opens.

Adams himself has expressed his desire to take root in Houston many times, and the conclusion of this three-year contract is a perfect match for the wishes of both parties. The Rockets, who are careful in the salary space, use a fully guaranteed middle class contract to lock in an inside pillar with rich experience, top-efficiency, and able to lead the growth of young players. This signing is a cost-effective example. In the new season, Adams will continue to use solid cover, scramble and defensive wisdom to escort the Houston Rockets to hit higher targets.