Image Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

“He Brings the Right Toughness” – NBA Analyst Urges Warriors To Sign Steven Adams, Regain Defensive Edge

Veteran Center Seen as Perfect Fit for Warriors’ Frontcourt Rebuild

Image Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors are actively looking to add strength to their existing roster. The starting five struggled on multiple fronts this season, making it increasingly obvious that Golden State needed reinforcements. Steph Curry’s injury further exposed their offense. A team relying too much on their veterans was at some point poised to run out of the gas.

The Minnesota Timberwolves took full advantage of the kind of defense that was on the display from the Golden State Warriors. While the offense had clear issues, it was the defense that was unable to get their team any momentum.

Warriors for the longest of the time have lacked a big who protects the rim and is also active at the other end of the board. The seven-time NBA champions thrived without a traditional big man for years, but the modern game now demands physical presence near the rim. The usual Steve Kerr system doesn’t get you too far.

The team with Steven Adams has led the NBA in offensive rebounding in 8 of his last 9 seasons. Four different franchises…

Adams becomes a free agent in July. Only 31 years old. pic.twitter.com/q3FUrCFtbw
— Steven Adams Stats (@funakistats) May 17, 2025

Also Read: NBA Conference Finals 2025: No Legacy Champion Among Final Four, Conference Finalists Break 29-Year Trend

The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Houston Rockets found it easy to penetrate the Warriors defense. Steven Adams’ dominance on the boards was a key factor in pushing the first-round series to a Game 7. Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle made the Warriors pay for their shortcomings.

Warriors Seek Rim Protection Urgently

ESPN’s Shams Charania broke a positive update on Warriors and their strategy in the off season. According to reports, Steve Kerr has prioritized acquiring a dominant center or a versatile wing playmaker this summer. NBA analyst and Warriors Talk member James Homer shed light on what the Golden State should do.

He suggested, “A familiar face to the Golden State Warriors, Adams has been on the receiving end of plenty of Curry-issued losses throughout his playoff career. However, it was rarely due to him being a detriment: While he’s not a spacer and has some issues hitting his free throws, Adams is an experienced veteran who provides true center size and power that the Dubs haven’t traditionally had.

He profiles similarly to a more limited Andrew Bogut: A good screen setter and underrated passer who brings the right kind of toughness to a historically precision-focused Warriors team. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s the kind of player who has an impact on aspects of the game which aren’t as trackable by analytics.”

Steve Adams is one of the players strongly rumored to leave the Houston Rockets. While Adams aligns with the Warriors’ needs, his injury history at 32 could be a red flag for the front office. The Kiwi international has missed significant time in the regular season as well. And the Warriors already have a veteran squad with various fitness issues.