Season-Ending Ankle Surgery Sidelines Rockets Center Steven Adams
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HOUSTON — Houston Rockets center Steven Adams will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 NBA season after undergoing surgery on his left ankle, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 32-year-old went down on Jan. 18 during a road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans when he landed awkwardly while challenging Zion Williamson’s shot. Diagnosed last week with a Grade 3 sprain, Adams was initially ruled out indefinitely before physicians determined surgery was necessary.
Adams had shown signs of full recovery from previous knee issues that limited him to 42 games in 2022/23 and kept him out for all of 2023/24. This season, he appeared in 32 contests—11 starts—averaging 22.8 minutes, 4.5 offensive rebounds and helping Houston post league-best marks in total and offensive rebounding percentage.
The Rockets still feature Alperen Şengün as the starter at center with veteran Clint Capela available off the bench, but Adams’ absence could prompt the front office to explore trade or buyout options to maintain the club’s glass-dominating lineups that power its top-five offense.
Houston cannot apply for a Disabled Player Exception for Adams because the Jan. 15 deadline has passed. The team does hold a $12.5 million DPE from Fred VanVleet’s ACL injury, though its proximity to the first-apron hard cap could restrict how that tool is used.
Adams is under contract through 2027/28, set to earn $13 million next season and roughly $11.9 million in the final year of the deal.
Source: Hoops Rumors
