The Houston Rockets have dealt with several injuries this season, but one of the most significant has been the loss of veteran center Steven Adams.
The physical big man recently underwent surgery on his left ankle after suffering a severe injury earlier in the season, officially ending his 2025–2026 campaign.
What Happened to Steven Adams?
Adams sustained a severe ankle sprain with ligament damage, which required surgical stabilization.
In basketball, ankle sprains are extremely common, but Grade 3 sprains where ligaments are significantly torn can create long-term instability in the joint.
For elite athletes, especially centers who rely on strength and balance in the paint, surgery may be necessary to restore stability and prevent chronic ankle problems.
Why Ankle Surgery Is Tough for NBA Centers
At 6’11” and nearly 265 pounds, Adams places enormous stress on his lower extremities every time he jumps, lands, or battles for rebounds.
Big men typically experience longer recoveries from ankle injuries because the joint must support greater body mass and absorb higher impact forces during play.
For NBA centers, ankle stability is essential for:
- Explosive jumping and rebounding
- Defensive positioning in the paint
- Physical screens and post play
Without proper healing, returning too quickly can increase the risk of chronic ankle instability or repeat sprains.
Recovery Timeline
After ankle ligament surgery, athletes typically undergo a structured rehabilitation program that includes:
- Early immobilization and swelling control
- Gradual weight-bearing and mobility work
- Strength and balance training
- Sport-specific return-to-play drills
For most professional basketball players, the recovery process takes 4–6 months, which is why the Rockets opted to shut Adams down for the remainder of the season.
Sports Medicine Perspective
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries seen in sports medicine clinics.
Proper diagnosis, rehabilitation, and injury prevention strategies are critical to getting athletes safely back to activity.
Dr. Javier Rios, MD, Houston’s Nonsurgical Orthopedic & Sports MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating ankle injuries so athletes of all levels can return to play safely.
