During Monday’s press conference to wrap up the NBA’s 2024 trade deadline, Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone addressed a range of subjects related to transactions and beyond.
One of those subjects was the recently completed trade for veteran Steven Adams. While Adams won’t be available until next season due to injury, the 6-foot-11 big man brings a wealth of physicality and experience to the table, having started for multiple playoff teams over a distinguished career spanning more than a decade.
Here’s what Stone said of the Acams acquisition:
I think we got a really high-level basketball player. A guy who’s been a dominant rebounding force in the NBA for the last five, six years. One of the best defenders in the NBA. We obviously feel great with Alperen (Şengün) but now we have two starting-level centers next year. Depth is extraordinarily important. He’s a very different player and will be a good complement on and off the court for our group.
The complete video of Stone’s press conference is available below. He went on to say that Adams passed Houston’s physical, and the Rockets believe he will be available for the start of training camp.
Now 30 years old, Adams averaged 8.6 points (59.7% FG) and 11.5 rebounds as the starting center in Memphis last season.
