Rockets cannot simply replace Steven Adams with this one player

The Houston Rockets found some success with double-big lineups in 2024-25.

Nobody saw it coming. Sure, size is coming back. Small ball has reverted to being an option instead of a dogma. Still, Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun were not supposed to succeed together at the 5 and 4. Their combined inability to space the floor was supposed to tank those lineups.

Yet, almost every net rating stat suggests that they thrived together. Now, there are questions about whether they'll reunite in 2025-26. Adams is set to hit free agency. It's even being reported that the Rockets are eyeing his replacement:

They need to understand that Brook Lopez won't function the same as Adams did.

Rockets can't replace Adams with Lopez

Part of why the Adams/Sengun pairing worked was its ability to physically dominate opponents. Lopez wouldn't be able to do the same.

In 2024-25, Adams had a 21.9% Rebounding Percentage to Lopez's 8.6% mark. The difference is even more pronounced on the offensive glass, where Adams collected 21.8% of his opportunities to Lopez's 5.0%.

This marks a broader difference in each man's physicality. Opposing defenses were left in a bind. Either their 4 had to try to stop Alperen Sengun from scoring, or Adams from rebounding. That's a pair of tall orders for any non-big man. It's not a dilemma that Lopez creates.

That doesn't mean he can't play with Sengun.

Lopez is a fine option if Adams goes elsewhere

Lopez does pose advantages that Adams does not. Specifically, he shot 37.3% from deep in 2024-25. He spaces the floor, and Adams does not.

Lopez is also a better defender than Adams. In particular, he's a more skilled rim protector.

Those qualities makes him a more intuitive fit alongside Sengun, but a less unique one. The Rockets don't need to bring in Lopez to space the floor and block shots from the weakside. Jabari Smith Jr. can do those things, and he's over a decade younger.

Yet, the Rockets will need a backup 5. Smith Jr. saw some time at the 3 while Adams and Sengun shared the floor. So, Lopez would be a fine option if Adams is departing.

Still, Houston should make overtures to Adams. The organization needs to bring him back at any reasonable cost. His otherworldly strength makes him a unique presence on an NBA team, and he was a tremendous benefit to Houston last year.

He won't be easily replaced.