The NBA Has A Steven Adams Problem

In a league increasingly dominated by three-point shooting and perimeter play, the value of traditional centers has come into question. Enter Steven Adams, the 32-year-old New Zealand native who recently signed a $39 million contract with the Houston Rockets despite averaging under five points per game last season. While many analysts and fans may view this move as perplexing, Adams is proving to be an invaluable asset in ways that go beyond conventional statistics.

The Modern NBA Dilemma

The NBA has undergone a seismic shift over the past decade, primarily driven by the three-point revolution. Teams have embraced analytics, focusing on maximizing efficiency by prioritizing perimeter shooting. The math is compelling: a 35% three-point shooter provides more value than a 50% two-point shooter over the course of a season. As a result, traditional big men who cannot stretch the floor have been marginalized, often relegated to the bench or out of the league entirely.

This shift has led to a prevailing belief that centers must be able to shoot threes to remain relevant. The ideal modern center is expected to have the ability to switch onto guards, create spacing, and avoid clogging the paint. Consequently, players like Steven Adams, who do not fit this mold, have been viewed as liabilities rather than assets.

Adams’ Statistical Profile

On paper, Adams seems to embody everything that modern basketball has seemingly eliminated. His three-point shooting percentage is zero, and he rarely even attempts shots from beyond the arc. His free throw percentage hovers around 44%, and his scoring averages are more akin to those of a third-string player than a starting center. Critics have been quick to dismiss him, arguing that a player making $13 million a year should contribute significantly more offensively.

However, this analysis misses a crucial point: Steven Adams’ impact on the game transcends traditional metrics. While his offensive numbers may not impress, his contributions to winning basketball are profound.

The Record-Breaking Anomaly

Last season, Steven Adams accomplished something that had never been done in recorded NBA history: he posted the highest offensive rebounding rate per 36 minutes ever measured in a season. This achievement surpassed legendary rebounders like Dennis Rodman, Moses Malone, and Dwight Howard. Despite his contributions going largely unnoticed, Adams quietly etched his name into the record books.

Consistency in Rebounding

Adams’ rebounding prowess is not a one-off occurrence; it is a consistent trend. In eight of the last nine seasons where he has played significant minutes, his teams have finished first in the NBA in offensive rebounding. This level of consistency highlights the unique skill set that Adams brings to the court.

Offensive rebounds are crucial because they represent second chances for a team, allowing them to maintain possession and create additional scoring opportunities. When Adams is on the floor, his teams rebound 19% better than when he sits. This translates to potentially 10 to 15 additional wins per season, which can make the difference between a playoff berth and an early exit.

The Impact of Offensive Rebounding

Understanding the significance of offensive rebounding requires recognizing its broader implications for the game. Each offensive rebound represents a possession that the opposing team earned through solid defense. Adams’ ability to snatch those possessions away effectively nullifies the hard work of the defense and creates additional opportunities for his team.

The Physics of Rebounding

Adams’ approach to rebounding is almost scientific. He studies how missed shots bounce off the rim, analyzing angles and trajectories before the game even begins. This level of preparation is reminiscent of Dennis Rodman, who was known for his obsessive attention to detail when it came to rebounding. Adams’ commitment to mastering this aspect of the game allows him to consistently outmaneuver opponents and secure valuable possessions.

The Value Beyond Statistics

While Adams’ rebounding statistics are impressive, his impact extends beyond the box score. His effectiveness as a screener is a critical component of his value to the team. The screens he sets may not generate highlight reels, but they create significant advantages for his teammates.

Setting Screens and Creating Opportunities

Adams’ physicality and strength allow him to set effective screens that free up guards and wings for open shots. The impact of a well-set screen can be profound, often leading to mismatches and open looks. When defenders struggle to navigate around Adams, it creates opportunities for his teammates to exploit defensive lapses.

Moreover, Adams’ presence on the court helps to create space for driving lanes. Defenses must account for his size and strength, which can shift defensive alignments and open up scoring opportunities for others.

The Cultural Impact of Steven Adams

Another crucial aspect of Adams’ value lies in the culture he fosters within the locker room. Throughout his career, he has been known as a stabilizing force, providing leadership and mentorship to younger players.

A Mentor for Young Players

In Oklahoma City, Adams played a pivotal role in allowing Russell Westbrook to thrive in his chaotic style of play. Westbrook has openly credited Adams for his ability to play aggressively, knowing that Adams would be there to clean up any messes.

In Memphis, Adams became a mentor to the young core, including Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. He was not just a contributor on the court but also a guiding presence off of it. His ability to keep things light during tense moments and provide support when needed has made him a beloved figure among teammates.

Now, in Houston, Adams continues to fulfill this role. The Rockets have a roster filled with young, talented guards eager to prove themselves. Adams’ presence allows them to play with confidence, knowing they have a reliable veteran who will do the dirty work and protect them from physical play.

The Blind Spot in Analytics

Despite his undeniable contributions, the NBA’s reliance on analytics has created a blind spot when it comes to valuing players like Steven Adams. While the league has developed sophisticated metrics to measure shooting efficiency and scoring, it often overlooks the intangible qualities that contribute to winning basketball.

The Limitations of Analytics

The analytics movement has provided valuable insights into the game, but it has also led to a narrow focus on certain metrics at the expense of others. Physicality, toughness, and leadership are difficult to quantify, yet they play a significant role in determining a team’s success, especially in the playoffs.

As the playoffs approach, teams built solely on perimeter shooting and spacing often struggle when faced with more physical defenses. The game slows down, and the importance of second-chance points and tough rebounds becomes magnified. This is where players like Adams shine, as their contributions become crucial to a team’s success in high-pressure situations.

The Future of Centers in the NBA

As the NBA continues to evolve, the question remains: what does the future hold for traditional centers like Steven Adams? The league has spent years pushing the narrative that centers must shoot threes to remain relevant. This has led to a generation of players who prioritize perimeter shooting over mastering the fundamentals of rebounding and physical play.

The Decline of Traditional Centers

The emphasis on shooting has created a scarcity of players who possess the unique skill set that Adams brings to the court. As teams increasingly prioritize spacing and perimeter play, the development of young big men has shifted away from the traditional skills that made players like Adams successful.

This trend raises concerns about the future of the position. If young players are not being taught the importance of rebounding, screening, and physicality, the NBA may see a decline in the effectiveness of traditional centers.

Houston’s Bold Move

Houston’s decision to invest in Steven Adams is a testament to their recognition of the value he brings. The Rockets understand that his contributions extend far beyond scoring. They see the potential for additional wins that come from his offensive rebounding, tough screens, and leadership.

A Smart Investment

While some may view the $39 million contract as excessive for a player averaging under five points per game, the reality is that Adams’ impact on the game is far more significant than traditional statistics suggest. The Rockets are banking on the idea that his presence will elevate the performance of their young guards and help establish a winning culture.

Conclusion: A New Perspective on Value

Steven Adams is not a problem for the NBA; he is a solution to a problem that the league has yet to recognize. As the analytics revolution continues to shape the game, it is essential to remember that not everything can be quantified. Players like Adams embody the qualities that contribute to winning basketball, and their value should not be overlooked.

As the league evolves, teams must learn to appreciate the contributions of players who excel in areas that traditional metrics fail to capture. The future of basketball may depend on recognizing the importance of toughness, physicality, and leadership, qualities that players like Steven Adams exemplify.

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