Steven Adams injury history: Every ailment that's caused Adams to miss games throughout his career

When you play a tough brand of basketball, you're likely to get injured.

Steven Adams of the Houston Rockets plays a tough brand of basketball. That's an understatement: few players are tougher. Unfortunately, that means that Adams has been a lightning rod for nicks and bruises.

The Rockets will hope that he bucks that trend in 2024-25. Adams figures to be a prominent part of their rotation. The team traded four unprotected second-round picks for him, so clearly they see him as a potentially vital role player.

History is not smiling upon them. This article is not for the faint of heart. Here's a complete history of every injury Adams has suffered in his career.

Rockets' Steven Adams has a laundry list of prior ailments

October 22, 2023:

Knee

January 23, 2023:

Knee

December 11, 2022:

Ankle

December 8, 2022:

Right Shoulder

December 3, 2022:

Hip

November 11, 2022:

Ankle

February 1, 2022:

Ankle

January 2, 2022:

Ankle

December 11, 2022:

Ankle

November 11, 2022:

Ankle

May 4, 2021:

Toe

April 28, 2021:

Toe

April 25, 2021:

Toe

April 4, 2021:

Ankle

February 7, 2021:

Ankle

January 31, 2021:

Calf

August 22, 2020:

Knee

January 21, 2020:

Ankle

January 17, 2020:

Knee

November 10, 2019:

Knee

November 29, 2019:

Knee

January 1, 2019:

Ankle

October 28, 2018:

Calf Tightness

October 15, 2018:

Back

March 13, 2018:

Sore hip

March 8, 2018:

Sprained left ankle

November 7, 2018:

Calf contusion

It's a sordid history. What do we make of it?

One injury has especially hindered Adams

We don't know Adams personally, but we'd wager a guess as to his least favorite word in the English language:

"Ankle".

Adams' first ankle injury was on January 1, 2019. Still, it seems like it became a more serious issue around 2021. Adams' ankle started to consistently bother him around that time.

How concerned should we be?

The Rockets need a reliable backup

On the bright side, the Rockets are likely about to give Adams the smallest role he's had in his NBA career.

Alperen Sengun is entrenched as the starter. Adams isn't in Houston to handle a heavy minutes load. The Rockets acquired him to give themselves a different look. Adams has skills that Sengun doesn't.

So, he's likely to be more of a situational player. We may see Adams play 20 minutes or more one night, only to receive a DNP in the next. Against some teams, the Rockets will need his interior muscle. On other nights, they may shift their focus to lineups featuring Jabari Smith Jr. at the 5 for extra floor spacing and perimeter defense.

Acquiring Adams was about maximizing their versatility. With a less consistent role, there's some hope that Adams' ankle will be protected.

Just don't expect him to play less tough when he is on the floor.