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Houston Rockets Legend Hakeem Olajuwon Urges Franchise to Re-Sign Steven Adams: “He’s the Anchor We Need—A Valuable Piece for the Future”
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Houston Rockets Hall of Famer and global basketball icon Hakeem Olajuwon has voiced his support for veteran center Steven Adams, urging the franchise to re-sign the 11-year NBA veteran ahead of the 2025–26 season. Olajuwon, widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, praised Adams for his leadership, toughness, and postseason contributions, calling him a “valuable piece for the Rockets’ future.”
In a recent interview, Olajuwon made it clear that Adams’ presence was felt the moment he suited up for Houston following his trade from Memphis in early 2024. After missing the 2023–24 season due to knee surgery, Adams returned with purpose—anchoring the paint, boxing out elite big men, and embracing a mentorship role for younger players, particularly Alperen Şengün.
“Steven is a warrior,” Olajuwon said. “He plays the game the right way—he defends, rebounds, sets hard screens, and he does all the things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. That kind of player is rare in today’s game. The Rockets would be smart to bring him back. He’s the anchor we need.”
Adams was instrumental in Houston’s surprising 52-win campaign and playoff run. His 17-point, five-rebound, three-block effort in Game 6 of the first-round series against the Warriors reminded fans and analysts alike why his brand of gritty, physical basketball still holds weight in today’s fast-paced league.
Olajuwon, who led the Rockets to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, emphasized that every title-contending team needs a reliable enforcer in the paint—a role Adams has embraced.
“I’ve been watching this team grow, and Steven gives them a kind of toughness you can’t teach,” Olajuwon continued. “He knows his role, and he doesn’t try to do too much. That’s championship DNA. If I were the front office, I would make his re-signing a priority.”
General Manager Rafael Stone has already hinted that retaining Adams is high on the franchise’s offseason agenda, and with Olajuwon’s public endorsement, the push to re-sign the New Zealand big man may gain further momentum.
As Houston continues its return to relevance in the Western Conference, the wisdom of a Rockets legend may just help shape the next chapter. And if Hakeem Olajuwon’s track record is any indication, the franchise would be wise to heed his advice.
