Steven Adams Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery, Rockets Face Big Decisions Ahead of Trade Deadline
The Houston Rockets will be without one of their most reliable interior presences for the rest of the season. Veteran center Steven Adams has undergone season-ending surgery on his severely sprained left ankle, the team announced. It’s a tough blow for a Rockets squad that has been climbing the Western Conference standings and currently sits at 28-16, holding the No. 4 seed.
Adams, who brought toughness, rebounding, and interior defense to Houston’s frontcourt, had been averaging 5.8 points on 50.4% shooting, along with 8.6 rebounds-4.5 of those coming on the offensive glass-in just under 23 minutes per game. While the box score might not scream “star,” Adams' impact went well beyond the numbers. His physicality and ability to control the paint were crucial to the Rockets’ identity, especially on the defensive end and in second-chance opportunities.
Head coach Ime Udoka didn’t mince words when describing the injury.
“We knew it was a bad sprain immediately,” Udoka said before Wednesday’s home game against San Antonio. “Blew up to softball size-or more-immediately. Nothing was broken, but the next day, the swelling was still there.”
Further evaluation revealed ligament damage, and after weighing multiple medical opinions, Adams opted for surgery now to ensure a full recovery ahead of next season. It’s a long-term move that makes sense for both the player and the franchise, but it leaves a noticeable void in the Rockets’ rotation.
Clint Capela, another veteran big with playoff experience, is expected to step into a larger role. Capela brings a similar brand of rim protection and rebounding, though he doesn’t quite match Adams’ physical presence or screen-setting prowess. Still, he’s a capable fill-in and has been in these moments before.
The Rockets also have the option to go smaller, with Jabari Smith Jr. sliding to the five in certain lineups. Smith’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions gives Houston some flexibility, but it’s a different look-a more perimeter-oriented approach that could work situationally but may not hold up over long stretches, especially against teams with dominant post players.
With the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming just eight days away, Adams’ confirmed absence adds urgency to Houston’s front office discussions. According to reports earlier this week, the team had already begun exploring potential additions in the trade and buyout markets, and that search is likely to intensify now.
“There are discussions,” Udoka acknowledged when asked about the possibility of adding another center. “People are calling non-stop... but it depends on what’s out there.”
Udoka also made it clear that the Rockets aren’t in panic mode.
“I think we are totally fine going with Clint and our small-ball lineups, if need be. But let’s see what shakes out.”
That’s a coach keeping his options open-and with good reason. Houston has been one of the more pleasant surprises in the West this season, blending a young, talented core with veteran contributors like Adams and Capela.
Losing Adams is a setback, no doubt, but it’s not a death knell. The Rockets still have depth, versatility, and time to make a move if the right one presents itself.
For now, the focus shifts to how the team adapts on the floor-and whether the front office decides to pull the trigger on a deal to bolster the frontcourt. One thing’s clear: in a crowded and competitive Western Conference, every piece matters. And replacing Steven Adams, even if just for the rest of this season, is no small task.