Houston Rockets news: New facility stuns, new big man shines

It's been a while since the Houston Rockets had a new training facility. At times, it's felt like they were behind the curve. Fans have long felt that their favorite players deserved some nicer digs.

Now, they have them. The Rockets unveiled the Memorial Hermann Training Center recently, and it's absolutely stunning.

Rockets make major upgrade to training facility

The significance of a high-end training facility is clearly not lost on Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta

"This has been a very important project for our franchise,” Fertitta said. “Our commitment is to provide our players, coaches, and staff with the best possible experience and opportunities to be successful. The completion of this training center is a significant step towards achieving that goal.”

-Tilman Fertitta, Houston Rockets owner

He is not wrong. The Rockets play in a relatively major market. They've been a destination for star players in the past, and it can be again. Establishing this state-of-the-art training center could go a long way in attracting top-end talent to the team.

In the meantime, a potentially invaluable role player is already poised to take advantage of the facilities.

Rockets' new acquisition is thriving

Steven Adams is cleared for full practice. That's news alone.

The fact that he's said to be looking sensational is icing on a delicious cake.

“The Rockets have been using the facility since July. Every player worked out and scrimmaged there either last week or this week. That includes center Steven Adams, who missed all of last season following knee surgery. According to a person familiar with the workouts, Adams was not only cleared to be a full participant but was outstanding in last week’s games.”

-Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle

That's encouraging. The Rockets surrender four second-round picks to acquire Adams. That's not a blockbuster acquisition, but it is a significant one. The team is surely counting on Adams to contribute, and it seems he's ahead of schedule.

It's not particularly surprising. Adams has a sterling reputation as a consummate professional. If he's at all capable of getting on the floor, he will be there.

How often will he get on the floor for the Rockets?

Adams' role with Rockets remains unclear

We've touched on this before. It will be interesting to see how Adams functions as a fringe starting-caliber player on a team that runs their offense through a big man.

In any case, it's good that he's healthy. Adams' minutes will be valuable, no matter how many of them are. If he elevates the games of Jalen Green and Amen Thompson with his screening, the Rockets will have some interesting decisions to make with their roster.

Whoever they bring in, they'll be able to welcome them with a brand new training facility.