Houston Rockets about to add one of the league's toughest players

Toughness has become integral to the Houston Rockets' identity. This is not the team to mess with. If you watched the Rockets in 2023-24, you witnessed at least a handful of dust-ups.

In 2024-25, the Rockets are going to be tougher. This team added Steven Adams at this year's trade deadline. It's a widely held consensus that he's one of the toughest players in the NBA.

Newest member of Houston Rockets known for toughness

Recently, The Athletic conducted its annual anonymous player poll. James Johnson was voted the toughest player in the league.

Fair enough. Johnson is a trained MMA fighter. With that said, the league's players agreed that Adams was the second-toughest player in the NBA.

This won't come as a surprise to anybody. Adams plays a physical brand of basketball. He can dish out punishment, and he can receive it as well. It's hard to recall a player who seemed less phased by one of Draymond Green's signature kicks.

Is that all Adams offers to the Rockets?

Houston Rockets added a productive player

Of course not.

That toughness translates to production. Adams is one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA. He's among the league's best screensetters as well. Adams will create space for Amen Thompson and Jalen Green to get to the rim just by putting his body in the way of defenders.

Defensively, Adams can defend the rim as well. His exceptional strength allows him to hold his position. He's also willing to do the dirty work. Adams will box out his assignment so that one of Houston's primary playmakers can coral a rebound.

Adams will fit the Rockets' new identity. When those dust-ups occur next season, opposing teams will think twice about engaging with the Rockets.

One of the toughest players in the NBA is now on their roster.