Rakets help to revolutionize modern NBA with Alperen Senengun and Steven Adams

One can certainly say that the NBA went almost positionlessly in the last seasons, especially in the playoffs. 'Small Ball' took over the league at the end of 2010, and since then it has been the case in the post -seeds about teams that match their opponents in some way as possible, sometimes four guards.

In recent years, however, a phenomenon has been returning unexpectedly to the league. It started in Minnesota a few seasons ago. The Timberwolves acquired Rudy Gobert to combine him with Big Man Karl-Anthony Towns. The 2022-23 season was an adjustment time for the two seven-foot season. Last year the “double” structure reached the final of the Western Conference.

Since then we have seen different teams use this strategy and it worked. The Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that ended the regular season 68-14, has increased its status even more with Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren on the front square.

The New York Knicks fans asked the team to combine cities that were traded to the team last year, and Center Mitchell Robinson in the starting line -up to create their own “double big” expansion. The two statistically raise the Knicks compared to one or none of them on the floor.

This is now taking us to the Houston Rockets, who were involved with a line -up with Alperen Senengun and Steven Adams. Sengun and Adams, who are 6-foot 11, helped the Rockets to win the game 6 of their first round against the Golden State Warriors when the two together for 38 points, 19 rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks.

Head coach IME UDOKA has used this “double” line -up more and more because Adams have become healthier throughout the regular season. Statistically speaking, the two, who share the ground, have created one of the best lists of the league, although the two hardly make any shots from beyond the arch. Sengun shoots 23.3% of three, while Adams do not make these shots at all.

Perhaps we will see the beginning of a slow death when it comes to 'small ball' and the recurrence of high lineups in the NBA. Although Sengun and Adams are not shooters, it has made it possible in a positional basketball team to mix centers with an extended range or defensive skills. The rockets only reinforce it.