<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-steven-adams-two-year-journey-overcome-injury-struggles');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets’ Steven Adams details ‘two-year journey’ to overcome injury struggles');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steven-Adams-details-two-year-journey-to-overcome-injury-struggles.jpg"></figure><h1>Rockets’ Steven Adams details ‘two-year journey’ to overcome injury struggles</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-10-31T09:11:29-07:00">October 31st, 9:11am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-10-31T09:11:29-07:00">October 31st, 9:11am</time><address><a>Preston Byers</a>Preston Byers is an experienced writer and journalist who currently serves as an associate editor for ClutchPoints and as a staff writer at The Vindicator and Tribune Chronicle, where he covers sports in the Mahoning Valley. Previously, Preston worked as an associate editor for Dot Esports and a site expert for FanSided's Union and Blue.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Houston Rockets</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Steven Adams made his debut with the Houston Rockets on Monday, but it wasn’t just a debut with a new team for the big Kiwi, it was his <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-steven-adams-message-fans-646-day-absence">return to an NBA court after more than 600 days away</a>.</p><p>Back in January 2023, Adams suffered a PCL injury in his right knee. Initially thought to be an injury that would sideline him for a month or so, it became a much longer, more serious road back to playing. At the time, Adams played for the Memphis Grizzlies, who held onto hope that Adams would be able to avoid surgery and be ready to go by the beginning of the 2023-24 season.</p><p>But Adams’ knee did not recover how he nor the team expected, and shortly before Memphis was set to tip off their season last October, the team announced Adams would undergo a procedure on his knee. In February, ahead of the trade deadline, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-steven-adams-trade-rockets">Grizzlies traded Adams to the Rockets</a>, with whom he made his return Monday against the San Antonio Spurs.</p><p>After the win, Adams <a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/steven-adams-return-knee-injury-19873661.php?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sftwitter&amp;utm_source=twitter.com" rel="noopener">spoke to the</a> media about getting back to playing after nearly two years on the sideline.</p><p>“It was just good to be back. It’s been a long journey,” Adams said [h/t Houston Chroncile]. “There’s still a lot of work to do, but it’s just fun to be out there with the boys, especially on a new team. Getting traded mid-injury, mid-rehab, it’s just good to actually play with the team. It just hits a bit differently when you speak to your team when you’re playing.”</p><p>He also added: “Typically with surgeries, that’s why they call it a two-year process because physically, you’ll heal in the first year. The second year is the mental part, getting the connection back,” he said. “So it’s just that mental part now, but then also the mental part of the game: flow, timing, reading the body language, stuff like that.”</p><p>The 12th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Adams began his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder. After seven seasons with the Thunder, Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he spent a season before being traded to the Grizzlies. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-jaren-jackson-jr-opens-up-steven-adams-influence-vets-trade-rockets">Adams helped lead Memphis</a> to back-to-back Southwest Division titles and second seeds in the Western Conference.</p><p>The 31-year-old New Zealand native is in the second and last season of the 2-year, $25.2 million contract extension he signed with the Grizzlies in October 2022. He is set to make $12.6 million this season and become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.</p><p>Adams logged 6 points and 3 rebounds in 14 minutes vs. the Spurs after not playing in any of the first three games of the 2024-25 season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets’ Steven Adams details ‘two-year journey’ to overcome injury struggles

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-steven-adams-jokes-about-punching-rudy-gobert-in-nose');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets’ Steven Adams jokes about punching Rudy Gobert in nose');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steven-Adams-jokes-about-punching-Rudy-Gobert-in-nose.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Rockets’ Steven Adams jokes about punching Rudy Gobert in nose</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-10-30T10:26:30-07:00">October 30th, 10:26am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-10-30T10:26:30-07:00">October 30th, 10:26am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Houston Rockets</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Houston Rockets center Steven Adams <a href="https://hoopshype.com/rumor/3252792/" rel="noopener">stirred up attention online</a> with a lighthearted Instagram comment aimed at Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert. In a now-deleted post, Adams had joked, “$20, I punch Rudy Gobert square in the nose,” tagging Gobert in the playful jab. Known for his sense of humor off the court, Adams appeared to be poking fun rather than making a serious remark. However, the comment quickly gained traction among fans, prompting Instagram to remove it. Adams later shared on his Instagram story that the platform had taken down his comment, adding to the buzz surrounding the exchange.</p><p>The post came shortly after <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/celtics-news-joe-mazzulla-wants-fighting-power-plays-nba">Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla shared his thoughts</a> on NBA regulations during an NBC Sports interview, expressing that the league has, in his view, lost some entertainment value by curbing physical confrontations.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">IG removing Steven Adams’ comment is hilarious 😭😭😭</p><p>(h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/DimeUPROXX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DimeUPROXX</a>) <a href="https://t.co/Oc8XxtOQp7">pic.twitter.com/Oc8XxtOQp7</a></p><p>— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/1851651606900772887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>“The biggest thing that we rob people of from an entertainment standpoint, is you can’t fight anymore,” Mazzulla said. “You wanna talk about robbing the league of entertainment, what’s more entertaining than a little scuffle?” His comments resonated with some fans and players alike, reigniting discussions on the NBA’s evolving stance on physicality.</p><h2><b>Steven Adams’ playful jab at Rudy Gobert adds intrigue to upcoming NBA Cup clash</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steven-Adams-jokes-about-punching-Rudy-Gobert-in-nose-1.jpg"><figcaption>© Rob Gray-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Adams, a veteran center known for his tough play, recently returned to the court after a lengthy absence due to a torn ACL while with the Memphis Grizzlies. In his first game back for the Rockets, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-steven-adams-message-fans-646-day-absence">Adams recorded six points and three rebounds</a> in 14 minutes during a close 106-101 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, offering a glimpse of his potential impact for Houston. His return is anticipated to bolster the Rockets’ interior defense and rebounding as they embark on the new season with a refreshed roster.</p><p>The Rockets’ upcoming NBA Cup match against the Timberwolves on November 26 could bring added excitement, with Adams and Gobert set to face off. Given Adams’ playful comment and history of gritty play, fans are eager to see if the two centers will share any ‘friendly’ interaction — or keep it strictly competitive. The exchange between Adams and Gobert underscores the role of rivalries and personalities in the NBA, adding to the anticipation surrounding the league’s inaugural NBA Cup tournament.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets’ Steven Adams jokes about punching Rudy Gobert in nose

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-steven-adams-message-fans-646-day-absence');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets center Steven Adams’ message to fans after 646 day-absence');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Rockets-news-Steven-Adams-message-to-fans-after-646-day-absence.jpg"></figure><h1>Rockets center Steven Adams’ message to fans after 646 day-absence</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-10-29T15:06:25-07:00">October 29th, 3:06pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-10-29T15:06:25-07:00">October 29th, 3:06pm</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Houston Rockets</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-rockets-named-as-team-to-watch-if-heat-trade-jimmy-butler">Houston Rockets weathered trade rumors</a> and signed two of their key young pieces including <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-alperen-sengun-forever-claim-185-million-contract-extension">Alperen Sengun to long term contract extensions</a> before the 2024-25 season, which has gotten off to a decent start. The Rockets currently sit at 2-2 following Monday evening’s road win against the San Antonio Spurs in a game in which Houston went up by double digits but ended up having to hang on for dear life at the end.</p><p>Monday evening also marked the season debut of Rockets center Steven Adams, who last appeared in the NBA during the 2022-23 season as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies but has since undergone a series of injuries. Adams logged 14 minutes of action in the contest and recorded six points to go along with three rebounds.</p><p>After the game, Adams took to his account on X, formerly Twitter, with <a href="https://x.com/RealStevenAdams/status/1851108282871542237" rel="noopener">a special message</a> for Rockets Nation, quote tweeting a post from Steven Adams Stats.</p><p>“Appreciate you helping me along the way friends and family… grateful to experience this with all of you,” wrote Adams, alongside a slew of prayer hands emojis.</p><p>While he may not have quite the impact he did during his prime days with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Adams still seems poised to provide a steady veteran presence to what is overall a youthful Rockets locker room.</p><h2><b>Can the Rockets make the playoffs this year?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Adams-during-preseason.jpg"><figcaption>Thomas Shea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>On paper, there is quite a bit to like about this Houston Rockets squad, led by big man Alperen Sengun and shooting guard Jalen Green, both of whom were recently inked to extensions with the franchise.</p><p>Meanwhile, rookie Reed Sheppard looked great during Summer League and preseason and has largely carried that momentum with him into the real thing, while youngsters Jabari Smith Jr. and Cam Whitmore continue to show growth in their own right.</p><p>In many years, this Rockets team may figure to be a lock to at least secure a play-in birth; however, due to the rapidly increasing depth of talent around the league, particularly in the vaunted Western Conference, there aren’t really any guarantees for anyone this year.</p><p>Still, Rockets fans have to be excited by what they saw in their team’s resilient win in San Antonio on Monday, which occurred on the heels of a tough loss to the Spurs two nights prior.</p><p>In any case, the Rockets are next slated to take the floor on Thursday on the road against the Dallas Mavericks at 8:30 PM ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets center Steven Adams’ message to fans after 646 day-absence

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-steven-adams-drops-hilarious-throwback-kevin-garnett-story');   ga('set', 'title', 'Steven Adams drops hilarious throwback Kevin Garnett story');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Rockets-news-Steven-Adams-drops-hilarious-throwback-Kevin-Garnett-story.jpg"></figure><h1>Steven Adams drops hilarious throwback Kevin Garnett story</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-08-07T18:31:45-07:00">August 7th, 6:31pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-08-07T18:59:40-07:00">August 7th, 6:59pm</time><address><a>Itiel Estudillo</a>Itiel Estudillo is an NBA and Gaming Journalist at ClutchPoints. He's been working as a sports analyst for two years now and aims to leave a remarkable impression in the industry. When off the keyboard, Itiel participates in the local basketball league and pickup games. But when he's off the court, he also loves to grab his controller and enjoy a vast collection of video games.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Steven Adams is known to be one of the nicest players in the NBA but also one of the toughest. However, there came a time when Adams wasn’t tough enough to face <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/kevin-garnett-warns-nba-of-knicks-problem-in-2024-25">the wrath of Kevin Garnett</a>. The Houston Rockets center <a href="https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1821331250918920518" rel="noopener">shared a hilarious story</a> about him faking having a language barrier to avoid hearing harsh words from Garnett.</p><p>Adams hopped on the most recent episode of THE MORNING SHIFT podcast. In that episode, the hosts wanted to confirm if the story about the Rockets center faking a language barrier was true. The big man didn’t deny the question and hilariously told them what exactly took place.</p><p>Adams told the hosts the reason behind his shenanigans was because he wasn’t feeling confident on that night. The last thing he needed was to get verbally destroyed by Garnett. He then mentioned that the one-time champion’s trash-talking began when he got into a heated moment with his former teammate Kendrick Perkins. Adams then had to check in for Perkins and immediately told Garnett he didn’t know how to speak English.</p><blockquote>“My confidence wasn’t high man,” Adams said. “I wasn’t trying to get torn down. … Kendrick Perkins and KG played together. They started mouthing off. I was coming in, and [Garnett] was like ‘Yo, look’ and I was like ‘No English, bro’. He didn’t say anything after that, thank goodness. He would’ve ruined me.”</blockquote><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">“My confidence wasn’t high, man… I was coming in, and [Kevin Garnett] was like, ‘Yo, look’… I was like, 'No English, bro'… He didn’t say anything after that, thank goodness. He would’ve ruined me.”</p><p>— Steven Adams 😂</p><p>(via THE MORNING SHIFT / YT)<a href="https://t.co/2fHMYQBU6w">pic.twitter.com/2fHMYQBU6w</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1821331250918920518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><h2><b>Steven Adams’ evolution in the NBA</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Steven-Adams-talking-to-the-referee.jpg"><figcaption>© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>Steven Adams is one of the nicest players in the NBA today. On top of his good demeanor, Adams backs it up with solid numbers as a center. As a result, teams tend to want having him on the team whether it’s for the starting position or just a bench player.</p><p>While Adams made it seem he was afraid of players like Kevin Garnett in his younger years, he is currently one of the toughest big men in the league. Some players even shared their stories of how baffled they were to discover the big man’s strength. Thanks to his superhuman abilities, Adams is able to utilize them and use them to his advantage.</p><p>As of the 2022-23 season, before <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-steven-adams-breaks-silence-on-injury-recovery-trade-to-houston">Adams got injured</a>, he averaged 11.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 42 games. He also once ranked 12th among the Defensive Player of the Year candidates back in the 2017-18 season. The big man even arguably played a big role in Russell Westbrook’s MVP season.</p><p>Now with the 2024-25 season rapidly approaching, the Houston Rockets are hoping to get the same player Adams was before getting injured. Hopefully, the New Zealander giant can deliver on his role when the time comes.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Steven Adams drops hilarious throwback Kevin Garnett story

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-steven-adams-breaks-silence-on-injury-recovery-trade-to-houston');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets: Steven Adams breaks silence on injury recovery, trade to Houston');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rockets_news_Steven_Adams_breaks_silence_on_injury_recovery_trade_to_Houston.webp"></figure><h1>Rockets: Steven Adams breaks silence on injury recovery, trade to Houston</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-03-02T20:17:05-08:00">March 2nd, 8:17pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-03-02T20:22:06-08:00">March 2nd, 8:22pm</time><address><a>Jeremy Gretzer</a>Jeremy Gretzer joins ClutchPoints with a unique blend of experience in both the performing arts and sports journalism. A Houston native, Jeremy is happy to receive the opportunity as a beat reporter for ClutchPoints covering the Rockets. During his tenure at Back Sports Page, he honed his skills in sports writing, social media, and reporting, gaining valuable experience and having the opportunity to interact with notable figures from the NBA during media day, various charity, and pro camps events. His approach is analytical yet accessible, ensuring dedicated fans and casual readers alike can appreciate his insights.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The big splash the<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-get-crushing-steven-adams-injury-update-as-2023-24-regular-season-dawns" rel="noopener"> Houston Rockets landed</a> at the trade deadline in Steven Adams will eventually become a nice added piece to the growing young core. While <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sources-how-grizzlies-rockets-steven-adams-trade-impacts-2024-nba-trade-deadline" rel="noopener">Adams is out</a> for the current season due to knee surgery, his fit on the roster for next season provides a much-needed depth on rebounding and defense.</p><p>The last update regarding the big man’s health was formally mentioned by general manager Rafael Stone, ensuring everyone that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-steven-adams-gets-crucial-injury-update-trade-houston" rel="noopener">Adams will become fully ready</a> for the Rockets’ training camp in September. To make things easier, Adams recorded a video of himself informally letting the NBA media know he is going to play for the Rockets. He also appears excited for the future as he showed the Rockets logo in the clip.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Steven Adams on joining the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rockets?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rockets</a> </p><p>“I’m excited to play with them. I get to see Dillon Brooks again… get to see his ugly mug more often now…</p><p>I’m excited to go see Houston &amp; see what they’re building. They’ve got good young players.” <a href="https://t.co/cIF77JNwIf">pic.twitter.com/cIF77JNwIf</a></p><p>— Steven Adams Stats (@funakistats) <a href="https://twitter.com/funakistats/status/1763989817610977605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>“I’m excited to play with them [Rockets]. I get to see Dillon Brooks again. Good to see his ugly mug more often now. I’m excited to go see Houston, what they are building. They’ve got good young players there. Should be cool. Meet all the fans and whatnot,” Adams shared.</p><p>During his time with the Grizzlies, Steven Adams was Dillon Brooks’ teammate. The two clearly have a great relationship together after performing in back-to-back playoff appearances.</p><p>“He’s [Adams] a great teammate to be around,” Brooks mentioned. “He’s selfless, would do anything the coaches ask for. He listens to each and every one of his players.”</p><h2><b>More Steven Adams update</b></h2><p>Two weeks after the deadline, the veteran center got back on the court and did some practice drills. This was his first time playing basketball since his knee surgery in November of last year.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Steven Adams gave an update after getting back on the court for the first time since knee surgery in November last year..</p><p>“It felt great on court… felt really, really good. Really happy with today” <a href="https://t.co/7vwqrdvSCG">pic.twitter.com/7vwqrdvSCG</a></p><p>— Steven Adams Stats (@funakistats) <a href="https://twitter.com/funakistats/status/1763745508806549960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>“We didn’t go too hard cause we just wanna test it out,” Steven Adams said. “All that means is go through some drills. From their we’ll see how my body responds tomorrow and make any adjustments if need be. Felt great on the court. Felt really, really good. Pretty happy with today.”</p><p>It’s definitely a great sign for the Rockets to see Adams feel extremely content with his progress amid his injury recovery,.</p><h2><b>Rockets’ focus on next season</b></h2><p>As much as the Rockets faithful so desperately desires, this <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-slump-with-24-30-record-heading-into-the-all-star-break">current season</a> looks to be another year of growing pains for the team. Yes, they are better than the last three years combined. Still, the roster isn’t constructed as well as initially thought, with key players underperforming and the injury bug hampering the team throughout the season.</p><p>With a little over a month left in the final stretch and now seven games away from the final play-in spot in the West, the chances Houston makes a last-ditch effort to enter playoff contention is very unlikely. With that said, focusing on the offseason and what else they can do to improve the roster should be Houston’s top priority.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets: Steven Adams breaks silence on injury recovery, trade to Houston

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-steven-adams-gets-crucial-injury-update-trade-houston');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets’ Steven Adams gets crucial injury update after trade to Houston');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/rockets-news-steven-adams-gets-crucial-injury-update-after-trade-to-houston.webp"></figure><h1>Rockets’ Steven Adams gets crucial injury update after trade to Houston</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-02-12T20:11:58-08:00">February 12th, 8:11pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-02-12T20:11:58-08:00">February 12th, 8:11pm</time><address><a>Brian Buyawe</a>Brian Buyawe is a sports aficionado with a passion for basketball, football and Formula One. His hobbies include running, reading and playing in recreational leagues. Back when he was a kid, Brian stumbled upon an old Larry Bird documentary among his family's collection of movies, which made him a lifelong Celtics fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston Rockets recently acquired Steven Adams, providing the team with a veteran presence in the frontcourt. While the big man is still recovering from knee surgery, it seems that his rehabilitation progress is going well. Speaking to the media, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone confirmed that Adams <a href="https://twitter.com/clutchfans/status/1757184021627318641" rel="noopener">would be back</a> on the court once Houston’s training camp begins.</p><p>“We passed his physical…the surgery went really well,” Stone said. “He’s ahead of schedule on the rehab. So the answer is yes, we’re very comfortable and we do expect that he should be ready for camp.” (clip via ClutchFans)</p><p>The GM made it clear, however, that the team won’t be rushing Adams if any complications arise moving forward.</p><p>“We’re not gonna rush him. If something happens and he’s a little late, that would be perfectly fine. But as of right now, I do anticipate he’ll be ready,” Stone added.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rockets?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rockets</a> GM Rafael Stone says Steven Adams is ahead of schedule in rehab and he anticipates that the 30-year old center will be ready to go for camp in 2024-25. <a href="https://t.co/sRcgKD709L">pic.twitter.com/sRcgKD709L</a></p><p>— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) <a href="https://twitter.com/clutchfans/status/1757184021627318641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>A brute force under the rim, Adams brings rebounding and rim protection to the Rockets. Prior to being traded, the center was averaging 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for the Memphis Grizzlies.</p><p>Right now, the Rockets have a young frontline in developing stars Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. Both are far from reaching their full potential, so Adams’ experience and veteran leadership could help boost their growth to the next level.</p><p>Overall, Houston has been relatively quiet this season, with a below .500 record at the bottom half of the Western Conference standings. Still, a silver lining comes in the form of expected <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-gm-issues-stern-reminder-jalen-green-alperen-sengun-amid-growth" rel="noopener">improvement from Sengun</a>, Smith Jr, Jalen Green and Amen Thompson. There’s no telling when the young players will peak, but with vets such as Steven Adams <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/ex-raptor-fred-vanvleet-reacts-to-torontos-awesome-tribute-in-return" rel="noopener">and Fred VanVleet</a> present, it might not be too long.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets’ Steven Adams gets crucial injury update after trade to Houston

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/grizzlies-news-memphis-waives-victor-oladipo-steven-adams-rockets-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies waive Victor Oladipo after arrival in Steven Adams, Rockets trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Grizzlies_news__Memphis_waives_Victor_Oladipo_after_arrival_in_Steven_Adams_Rockets_trade.webp"></figure><h1>Grizzlies waive Victor Oladipo after arrival in Steven Adams, Rockets trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-02-08T14:13:56-08:00">February 8th, 2:13pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-02-08T14:13:56-08:00">February 8th, 2:13pm</time><address><a>Christopher Smith</a>Chris Smith is an All Sports Editor for ClutchPoints. The Aurora, Illinois native earned a degree in philosophy from Creighton University, where he also competed as a Division 1 Cross Country runner. Smith has previously written for FanSided and Last Word on Sports, and his primary interests lie in the NBA, Brooklyn Nets, and distance running.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Memphis Grizzlies shook their roster with a big NBA trade deadline move. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-steven-adams-trade-rockets" rel="noopener">Memphis traded veteran big man</a> Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets for Victor Oladipo and draft picks. However, Oladipo will not have a long stay with the Grizzlies after a new report surfaces.</p><h2><b>Grizzlies will not make use of Oladipo after their big trade</b></h2><p>The Grizzlies have waived Victor Oladipo upon his arrival from Houston, <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1755691564951912814?s=20" rel="noopener">per Shams Charania</a>. The 31-year-old is recovering from knee surgery after suffering a torn patellar tendon during the spring of 2023. In his last full season with the Miami Heat, Oladipo averaged 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.</p><p>Hopefully, the former All-Star can find a team to contribute his services to upon his recovery. In the meantime, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-memphis-jaren-jackson-plan-center-options-after-steven-adams-deal" rel="noopener">the Grizzlies will continue</a> to try to find a spark during a treacherous 2023-24 season.</p><p>Memphis is 18-33 and sits 13th in the Western Conference standings. Unfortunately, the team has been struck with endless injury woes. Most notably, Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart are out with serious injuries. Bane and Smart are due for an evaluation to return at the midpoint of the season.</p><p>Moreover, Memphis has been without the services of multiple big men. Steven Adams was recovering from a season-ending injury before his trade to the Rockets. Meanwhile, Brandon Clarke has been out with an Achilles injury.</p><p>Jaren Jackson Jr. is also dealing with a hip ailment that could impact his availability.</p><p>The Grizzlies’ year has been a stark contrast from the 2022-23 season. The team went from second in the Western Conference to holding a 13th-place standing. Nevertheless, Memphis will find a way to regain competitiveness.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Grizzlies waive Victor Oladipo after arrival in Steven Adams, Rockets trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/grizzlies-news-memphis-jaren-jackson-plan-center-options-after-steven-adams-deal');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies Jaren Jackson plan, other center options after Steven Adams deal');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Grizzlies_news_Memphis__Jaren_Jackson_plan_other_center_options_after_Steven_Adams_deal_copy.webp"></figure><h1>Grizzlies Jaren Jackson plan, other center options after Steven Adams deal</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-02-02T18:08:39-08:00">February 2nd, 6:08pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-02-02T18:08:39-08:00">February 2nd, 6:08pm</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Head coach Taylor Jenkins and the Memphis Grizzlies are currently in the midst of what seems to be a lost season. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sources-how-grizzlies-rockets-steven-adams-trade-impacts-2024-nba-trade-deadline" rel="noopener">The Grizzlies recently</a> lost star point guard Ja Morant for the year with an injury just a few weeks after getting him back from suspension, and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/taylor-jenkins-wife-chantall-lissette-jenkins" rel="noopener">Jenkins’ squad is now</a> on the outside looking in of the Western Conference playoff picture.</p><p>Recently, the Grizzlies made an interesting move by trading away center Steven Adams–also injured for the year–to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a combination centered around Victor Oladipo and draft picks.</p><p>Jenkins has since spoken <a href="https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2024/02/02/steven-adams-trade-memphis-grizzlies-houston-rockets/72372914007/" rel="noopener">on Adams’ departure</a>.</p><p>“Big-time thanks to (Adams),” Jenkins said, per Damichael Cole of Commercial Appeal. “Opportunities come throughout the league. We got to make some decisions. Obviously we’re excited about the flexibility it creates for us. . . . The impact (Adams) made was a big one for us. Obviously we’re going to miss him. Hopefully he gets healthy. He’s been working really hard in his rehab. He had a huge impact not just on the floor, but also in the locker room.”</p><p>Jenkins also spoke on how the team plans to play starting power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. at center more moving forward.</p><p>“Learning that development opportunity for (Jackson) with the ball in his hands more as a screener,” Jenkins said. “Having some shooting around him. But also, the Steven archetype. Someone that’s big and physical, does a great job setting screens, rebounder, facilitator. All things that we want Jaren to continue to grow in as well.”</p><p>The Grizzlies next take the floor against the Boston Celtics on February 4.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Grizzlies Jaren Jackson plan, other center options after Steven Adams deal

Sources: How Grizzlies’ Steven Adams trade with Rockets impacts 2024 NBA trade deadline

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/grizzlies-news-jaren-jackson-jr-opens-up-steven-adams-influence-vets-trade-rockets');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. opens up about Steven Adams’ influence after vet’s trade to Rockets');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Grizzlies_news_Jaren_Jackson_Jr._opens_up_about_huge_Steven_Adams_influence_after_vet_s_trade_to_Rockets.webp"></figure><h1>Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. opens up about Steven Adams’ influence after vet’s trade to Rockets</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-02-02T04:04:37-08:00">February 2nd, 4:04am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-02-02T04:04:37-08:00">February 2nd, 4:04am</time><address><a>Brian Buyawe</a>Brian Buyawe is a sports aficionado with a passion for basketball, football and Formula One. His hobbies include running, reading and playing in recreational leagues. Back when he was a kid, Brian stumbled upon an old Larry Bird documentary among his family's collection of movies, which made him a lifelong Celtics fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Nowadays, NBA offenses revolve around the three-point line so much that even big men are getting their points from the outside. From undersized power forwards to seven-foot giants, many of those playing the four and the five are a threat from beyond the arc. Still, there’s a small group of traditional bigs making a living down in the paint, and one of them is Steven Adams.</p><p>Dubbed by many as the strongest man in the NBA, Adams gets his minutes by anchoring the middle. He doesn’t score a ton of points, but his rebounding and presence in the paint is a silent game-changer for the teams he’s been in. And that’s exactly what Jaren Jackson Jr. emphasized when asked bout Adams’ recent trade from the Memphis Grizzlies.</p><p>Jackson spoke about how playing in a frontcourt alongside a center like Adams <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Infield/status/1753274197265031344" rel="noopener">opened up opportunities</a> for him offensively.</p><p>“He’s just a physical specimen they have to deal with,” Jackson said, via Action News 5’s Matt Infield. “Last year everyone was focused on him a lot so it allowed me to catch people off guard. He helped me in so many ways.”</p><p>Besides Adams’ physical capabilities, the Kiwi is also known as one of the most well-loved personalities in the locker room.</p><p>“Everybody loved him. It’s tough man, it’s tough,” Jackson added, pertaining to Adams’ trade <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-steven-adams-trade-grade-after-stunning-deal-with-grizzlies" rel="noopener">to the Houston Rockets</a>.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jaren Jackson Jr. with a great answer on Steven Adams' impact.</p><p>Says he's watched video of Stevo on <a href="https://twitter.com/funakistats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@funakistats</a> over the years to learn things from his game and use it himself.</p><p>"He helped me in so many ways. Off the court, everybody loved him…it's tough man, it's tough." <a href="https://t.co/gAQjcAuvQV">pic.twitter.com/gAQjcAuvQV</a></p><p>— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Infield/status/1753274197265031344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-paul-george-steven-adams-story-proves-hes-different" rel="noopener">Steven Adams may be</a> a brute on the court, but hearing all the stories told by his peers past and present, no one can deny the big man’s genuine personality. The Grizzlies will surely miss not just his rebounding and defensive presence, but the friendship he brought to his teammates as well.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. opens up about Steven Adams’ influence after vet’s trade to Rockets

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-steven-adams-trade-grade-after-stunning-deal-with-grizzlies');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets’ Steven Adams trade grade after stunning deal with Grizzlies');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rockets-Steven-Adams-trade-grade-after-stunning-deal-with-Grizzlies_50.webp"></figure><h1>Rockets’ Steven Adams trade grade after stunning deal with Grizzlies</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-02-01T19:47:28-08:00">February 1st, 7:47pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-02-01T19:47:28-08:00">February 1st, 7:47pm</time><address><a>Jeremy Gretzer</a>Jeremy Gretzer joins ClutchPoints with a unique blend of experience in both the performing arts and sports journalism. A Houston native, Jeremy is happy to receive the opportunity as a beat reporter for ClutchPoints covering the Rockets. During his tenure at Back Sports Page, he honed his skills in sports writing, social media, and reporting, gaining valuable experience and having the opportunity to interact with notable figures from the NBA during media day, various charity, and pro camps events. His approach is analytical yet accessible, ensuring dedicated fans and casual readers alike can appreciate his insights.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Ahead of the February 8th trade deadline, the Houston Rockets have <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-steven-adams-trade-rockets">made a bit of noise.</a> The Rockets on Thursday sent Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Steven Adams, according to reports.</p><p>Houston is finally offloading <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/how-the-rockets-can-utilize-victor-oladipos-9-4-million-contract" rel="noopener">Oladipo’s $9.4 million contract</a> as well as extra draft capital to the Grizzlies, who have written off this season as a loss due to myriad injuries suffered by the likes of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart, among others—including Brandon Clarke and Adams.</p><p>The veteran big man suffered a major knee injury around the midpoint of 2022-23, one of the main reasons why the Grizzlies fell short in last year’s playoffs. He was r<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-get-crushing-steven-adams-injury-update-as-2023-24-regular-season-dawns" rel="noopener">uled out for the season’s duration</a> shortly before it tipped off in late October, a surprise considering Adams appeared in a pair of exhibition games.</p><p>Shedding Adams’ salary and adding more second-round picks gives Memphis more flexibility for a pivotal offseason, but the team is now without a quality center on the roster. Originally, Jaren Jackson Jr. was the team’s power forward. Now he is playing center because Xavier Tillman is better suited in a reserve role and Clarke, also best utilized as a reserve spark plug, hasn’t played all season.</p><p>As the dust settles on their first move at the trade deadline, let’s grade the Rockets’ Steven Adams trade.</p><h2><b>Grading Rockets’ Steven Adams trade</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-trade-Houston-still-must-target-in-2023-NBA-offseason.jpg"></figure><p>Acquiring Adams suggests the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-must-pursue-malcolm-brogdon-trade-adding-robert-williams-iii-too-risky" rel="noopener">Rockets are not pursuing Robert Williams III</a>. They now have their injured big man in Adams, who is patiently waiting to play for the 2024-2025 season. This move indicates Houston is in no rush to jump into playoff contention. The season as a whole has been already a success. Tying last year’s win total of 22 games with 35 left to go is an extreme accomplishment.</p><p>As much as Rockets fans want their team to reach the playoffs this year, Rafael Stone and Ime Udoka are extremely confident in a young core that provides a winning window wide as a barn door. Many options for Houston are on the table. By acquiring Adams, the Rockets sacrificed some cap flexibility this summer to add a big who could make an impact on and off the floor next season or be traded again down the line as matching salary.</p><p>One great thing about this trade for Houston is the cheaper price tag. Even though Adams is out this year due to knee surgery, he is expected to return <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39438460/sources-grizzlies-sending-adams-houston-oladipo-picks">fully healthy next season</a>. Based on this decision, the Rockets’ front office believes him to be the quality backup big they’ve been searching for to play behind Alperen Sengun. When healthy, Adams is the prototype interior enforcer who can defend the rim, grab rebounds and be an effective partner in the pick-and-roll.</p><p>The 30-year-old veteran has averaged 9.2 points and 8.2 rebounds across his career, shooting 58.7% from the field. In his last two playable seasons, Adams averaged double-digit rebounds. This makes the Jock Landale signing age like fine wine, given his non-guaranteed contract conditions going forward.</p><p>Adams’ presence in the second unit will significantly enhance the Rockets’ defense. Imagine Adams, Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. on the floor. Houston could dominate on the glass with all that size and physicality.</p><p>It’s hard to predict if Houston is finished making moves. Meanwhile, Ime Udoka recently confirmed what his team is looking for in trade targets.</p><p>“I think you look to improve in all those areas where you’re lacking,” he said. “Three-point shooting is one, versatility at the big spots is one. But, we mainly want to rely on what we have and get healthy, first, and see what this whole group looks like.”</p><p>If this rings true, then the Rockets could be just getting started. Acquiring a three-point shooter is the next step to b0lster Houston’s poor shooting performances beyond the arc. Expect Stone to make more noise with a week left before February 8th.</p><p><b>Grade: B+</b></p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets’ Steven Adams trade grade after stunning deal with Grizzlies

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/grizzlies-news-steven-adams-trade-rockets');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies send Steven Adams to Rockets in major salary dump');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/grizzlies-news-memphis-sends-steven-adams-to-rockets-in-major-salary-dump.webp"></figure><h1>Grizzlies send Steven Adams to Rockets in major salary dump</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-02-01T15:52:42-08:00">February 1st, 3:52pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-02-01T16:09:00-08:00">February 1st, 4:09pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing. Go Titans, go Ducks, and go Kraken!</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>It’s been a rough season for <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/biggest-need-grizzlies-must-address-2024-nba-trade-deadline" rel="noopener">the Memphis Grizzlies</a> as the roster just hasn’t been healthy all year. Now, with the NBA trade deadline right around the corner, the front office has made a deal sending Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets.</p><p>That’s right. <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1753201914186006775" rel="noopener">The veteran center was sent</a> to Houston, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Memphis isn’t getting much in return as it’s a clear move to dump some salary cap space for free agency in the offseason.</p><p>“The Memphis Grizzlies are trading Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.”</p><p>Woj also reports the Grizzlies <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1753203222607499758" rel="noopener">are using this trade</a> to continue building around Ja Morant, Jaron Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. It makes sense considering the team should have a high lottery pick along with plenty of cap space as well. The front office will have plenty of options on the table once the offseason begins.</p><p>“Grizzlies are creating more salary flexibility and draft assets around a 2024 offseason where they’ll get a chance at a high lottery pick and a chance to fortify a contender around Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane.”</p><p>Steven Adams fell to a season-ending injury well before the season even started. The veteran center is due to hit free agency in 2025. Considering the situation, it makes sense <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-memphis-planning-to-retire-marc-gasols-no-33" rel="noopener">for the Grizzlies</a> to deal Adams away now. They’re not in playoff contention and the front office can move on from his contract.</p><p>The future still looks bright in Memphis. When their star players eventually return they’ll be back in full force. At the very least, the Grizzlies went on a winning streak in the short amount of time Ja Morant came back from suspension. Having more flexibility with the salary cap while adding more draft capital will make Memphis a team to watch in the offseason.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Grizzlies send Steven Adams to Rockets in major salary dump

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/grizzlies-news-making-move-scary-rim-protector-ja-morant-suspension-steven-adams-injury');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies making move on scary rim protector amid Ja Morant suspension, Steven Adams injury');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Memphis-making-move-on-scary-rim-protector-amid-Ja-Morant-suspension-Steven-Adams-injury.jpg"></figure><h1>Grizzlies making move on scary rim protector amid Ja Morant suspension, Steven Adams injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-10-28T20:35:29-07:00">October 28th, 8:35pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-10-28T20:35:29-07:00">October 28th, 8:35pm</time><address><a>Rexwell Villas</a>Rexwell Villas is a Communications Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, and he claims to have JR Smith's conscience with his shot selection. He is an experienced sports writer covering a variety of sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college football. He has won a basketball, a baseball, and a football championship in fantasy all within a year.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly on the <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1718461483418345633" rel="noopener">verge of adding veteran big man</a> and block specialist Bismack Biyombo to their roster, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.</p><p><i>“The Memphis Grizzlies are planning to sign center Bismack Biyombo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Team is able to sign Biyombo via exemption after fifth game of Ja Morant’s suspension. Biyombo brings rim protection (1.4 blocks per game last season) with Steven Adams out.”</i></p><p>Biyombo, who last played in the 2022-23 NBA season with the Phoenix Suns, is known for his defensive prowess, particularly around the basket. Last season, he averaged 1.4 blocks per game to go with only 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per contest across 61 appearances, including 14 starts.</p><p>Should the Grizzlies make it official with the 31-year-old vet, Biyombo will look to provide rebounding and rim protection mostly for a Memphis team that already has a pair of defensive stalwarts in guard Marcus Smart and big man Jaren Jackson Jr. Smart and Jackson were the last two winners of the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year honor.</p><h2><b>Grizzlies plan on Bismack Biyombo amid poor start</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Thunder-Biggest-need-OKC-still-must-address-after-first-weekend-of-2023-NBA-free-agency.jpg"></figure><p>The Grizzlies are making the move on Biyombo amid a poor start to the season. With Ja Morant suspended and Steven Adams <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-center-upgrades-target-after-steven-adams-season-ending-injury" rel="noopener">done for the rest of the season</a> with an injury, Memphis has gone 0-3 to begin <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-bold-predictions-for-2023-24-nba-season" rel="noopener">their 2023-24 NBA campaign</a>. Biyombo is not going to turn things around for the Grizzlies, but he can be a decent contributor on defense while being a highly efficient, albeit low-usage, asset on the other end of the floor.</p><p>Biyombo entered the NBA in 2011 when he was taken in the first round (seventh overall) in that year’s NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Grizzlies making move on scary rim protector amid Ja Morant suspension, Steven Adams injury

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/grizzlies-center-upgrades-target-after-steven-adams-season-ending-injury');   ga('set', 'title', '3 Grizzlies center upgrades to target after Steven Adams’ season-ending injury');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/X_Grizzlies_center_upgrades_to_target_after_Steven_Adams__season-ending_injury_1.jpg"></figure><h1>3 Grizzlies center upgrades to target after Steven Adams’ season-ending injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-10-24T20:52:17-07:00">October 24th, 8:52pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-10-24T20:53:32-07:00">October 24th, 8:53pm</time><address><a>Alex House</a>Alex House is a sportswriter who is comfortable covering many different sports. He grew up in a New York sports-heavy region in Connecticut and earned his journalism degree at the University of Rhode Island. His in-depth knowledge of two of the most passionate and raucous fan bases in the country gives him a truly unique writing voice.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Memphis Grizzlies fans have weathered a storm of adversity and terrible optics for the last several months already, but things are only going to get harder following a devastating injury development. Center Steven Adams has undergone <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-get-crushing-steven-adams-injury-update-as-2023-24-regular-season-dawns" rel="noopener">season-ending knee surgery</a> and will miss the entirety of the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-bold-predictions-for-2023-24-nba-season" rel="noopener">2023-24 campaign</a>. This comes after he was sidelined for months with the same issue last season.</p><p>Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension has been known and aptly braced for since June, but there was optimism that Adams would be able to start the year healthy. After seeing how the team fared without his strong inside presence this past postseason, this news is undeniably demoralizing.</p><p>The veteran big man is a vital component of Memphis’ identity and embodies the “Grit and Grind” style of the 2010s. The team’s ceiling is seemingly limited without his elite rebounding and defensive skill set in the lineup. But this is no time to eulogize the Grizzlies. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/warriors-chris-paul-headlines-burning-questions-define-2023-24-nba-season" rel="noopener">With opening tip-off set</a> to commence at FedExForum this Wednesday, general manager Zach Kleiman and head coach Taylor Jenkins must respond accordingly and figure out how to best fill this gaping hole.</p><p>Although they are not seeking our help, we are going to identify three potential candidates who can help pick up the slack. Here are 3 centers the Grizzlies must consider following Steven Adams’ season-ending setback.</p><h2>Bismack Biyombo, free agent<b><br></b></h2><p>There are three paths Memphis can take when trying to replace Adams’ production. Jenkins can look to his bench (probably Xavier Tillman and Santi Aldama), target a clear-cut starter or add a veteran backup to carry some of the burden. We’re going the way of option No. 3 to start things off, as we scour the free agency pool.</p><p>Bismack Biyombo is not a flashy name, but he has the type of skill set the Grizzlies are lacking right now. Although the veteran’s playing time is sparse at this point of his career, he remains a strong rim protector and rebounder when on the court.</p><p>The Phoenix Suns <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-phoenix-runs-it-back-with-bismack-biyombo" rel="noopener">brought back Biyombo</a> last season, and reaped the benefits of his 1.4 blocks per game, which was his most since 2015-16. That total increased to an impressive 1.8 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers.</p><p>Biyombo is only 31 years of age and should be able to provide some reinforcements for Memphis should Kleiman and company deem fit. This team is at its best when it brings some physicality on the defensive end. The former first-round pick knows his role and will happily handle the Grizzlies’ dirty work. They just need to give him a call.</p><h2><b>Richaun Holmes, Mavericks</b></h2><p>Biyombo might still be in search of a suitor, but one can argue that Richaun Holmes has just as much to prove after the Dallas Mavericks acquired him <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-mavs-shocking-dwight-powell-richaun-holmes-plan-if-they-fail-to-trade-for-starting-center-revealed" rel="noopener">via trade</a> at the 2023 NBA Draft. He has played in just 87 games combined across the last two years, averaging slightly more than eight minutes per game with the Sacramento Kings last season. He has a decent opportunity for a comeback this year, though.</p><p>But it might be more likely to happen in Memphis rather than Dallas. Holmes is a quality rebounder, including on the offensive end, can score off the pick-and-roll and holds his own as a shot-blocker. While injuries have prevented him from showcasing these talents recently, he still has some solid basketball left in the tank at 30 years of age. Any risk in trading for Holmes is minimized by the Grizzlies’ need for center depth.</p><p>The former second-round pick has been a regular starter and a key bench piece. This franchise could benefit from that type of adaptability following a turbulent few months.</p><h2><b>Hawks’ Clint Capela could be a huge upgrade for Grizzlies</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/X_Grizzlies_center_upgrades_to_target_after_Steven_Adams__season-ending_injury.jpg"></figure><p> </p><p>The first two contingency plans are low-cost but also low-to-medium-reward options for Memphis. In order to make an emphatic statement, however, the front office will have to complete a sizable trade. Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capella immediately comes to mind.</p><p>The 29-year-old double-double machine (has averaged one for six-straight seasons) feels destined to finally be dealt elsewhere. His name has been in the rumor mill for a while now and fellow big man Onyeka Okongwu just <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/hawks-news-onyeka-okongwu-four-year-62-million-contract-extension" rel="noopener">signed a contract extension</a>. If Zach Kleiman’s offer is enticing enough, the Hawks should bite without hesitation.</p><p>Though, it is unclear of what that trade package might be exactly. The Grizzlies would probably need to part with solid role players like Brandon Clarke and David Roddy to land Capela. It would be worth it. He is not just an upgrade over their current centers, but also Adams himself.</p><p>The Swiss veteran can help this franchise stay competitive during <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-ja-morants-agent-meetings-with-grizzlies" rel="noopener">Ja Morant’s suspension</a>, while potentially being a pivotal difference-maker in the postseason. The anxiousness this fan base is currently feeling quickly turns into optimism if the team acquires this underrated talent.</p><p>Whichever path the Memphis Grizzlies decide to take, it is essential that they mange to compensate for Steven Adams’ seasonlong absence. There will already be enough uncertainty filling up the FedExForum in 2023-24. The franchise can’t afford any more.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

3 Grizzlies center upgrades to target after Steven Adams’ season-ending injury

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/grizzlies-get-crushing-steven-adams-injury-update-as-2023-24-regular-season-dawns');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies get crushing Steven Adams injury update as 2023-24 regular season dawns');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Memphis-gets-crushing-Steven-Adams-injury-update-as-2023-24-regular-season-dawns.jpeg"></figure><h1>Grizzlies get crushing Steven Adams injury update as 2023-24 regular season dawns</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-10-22T09:43:16-07:00">October 22nd, 9:43am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-10-22T10:00:00-07:00">October 22nd, 10:00am</time><address><a>Tim Crean</a>Tim Crean started writing about sports in 2016 and joined ClutchPoints in 2022. He excels with his versatile coverage of the NFL, NBA, soccer, sports media, and more. As a longtime self-professed sports junkie, it is a dream to write about sports professionally. He’s a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan from Western New York and when he’s not enjoying a round of golf he's probably coaching youth soccer or flag football. You can catch all of his sports-related musings on Twitter at @twcrean.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Memphis Grizzlies <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-steven-adams-hilarious-recollection-of-entering-nba-draft" rel="noopener">center Steven Adams</a> is out for the 2023-24 NBA season after a shocking injury update from Adrian Wojnarowski revealed the big man is about to undergo knee surgery.</p><p>“Grizzlies center Steven Adams will undergo season-ending surgery for a knee injury, team says,” Woj <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1716130330623541310" rel="noopener">tweeted on Sunday</a>.</p><p>This Steven Adams injury update comes after he sat out the Grizzlies’ preseason game on Friday, although reports were that the move was simply a veteran maintenance day off. Adams played in just 42 games last season while dealing with a knee injury. There is no word yet whether this is related to that issue or is something new.</p><p>The loss of the 30-year-old New Zealand native is another big blow for the Grizzlies, who will also be without <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-ja-morants-25-game-suspension-firm-update-please-memphis-fans" rel="noopener">their biggest star, Ja Morant</a>, as he sits out the first 25 games of the 2023-24 campaign with a suspension for flashing firearms on social media multiple times last season.</p><p>Adams was the No. 12 overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft and played the first seven seasons of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder. After one year with the New Orleans Pelicans, Adams was entering his third year in Memphis. The 6-foot-11, 265-pound big has averaged 9.2. points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in his career. His value doesn’t show up in just the stats, though. Adams is an excellent defender and is generally considered one of the toughest and most intimidating players in the league.</p><p>This Steven Adams injury update means that Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman will both spend more time at center this season for the Grizzlies.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2024-25 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
2.6	3.8	1.1	0.2	0.3

2024-25 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
2.6	3.8	1.1	0.2	0.3

Steven Adams news

Steven
Adams news