Steven Adams's early season was defined by a stark role change, transitioning from an overtaxed starter into an incredibly efficient enforcer off the bench. Before heading to the second unit, he bullied the paint on 10/24 vs DET, logging a massive +19.1 Impact score by grabbing 10 rebounds and hitting all four of his field goal attempts. The move to a reserve role immediately paid dividends. He dominated the interior on 10/29 vs TOR, generating a +14.9 Impact in just 20 minutes behind a highly efficient 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Even when his individual scoring completely vanished, the veteran big man still controlled the glass to keep his overall value afloat. Look at his gritty performance on 11/15 vs POR. Despite managing only five points, he earned a +5.3 Impact simply by ripping down 11 rebounds and doing the exhausting dirty work inside. He might not be built for a heavy workload anymore, but his physical presence remains a massive luxury for the second unit.

Steven Adams spent this eleven-game stretch oscillating wildly between dominant interior enforcer and absolute offensive liability. The veteran big man frequently generated value entirely through brute-force rebounding, even when his scoring was nonexistent. During 12/20 vs DEN, Adams managed a +2.2 impact despite scoring a single point because he bullied his way to 12 crucial rebounds. Yet, his total lack of touch around the rim often sabotaged his own hustle. On 12/19 vs NOP, Adams hauled in 10 rebounds but still registered a dismal -7.2 impact because he bricked eight of his ten field goal attempts. Empty offensive shifts require elite rebounding. He learned that the hard way on 12/16 vs DEN, where a total failure to secure a single rebound in 16 minutes resulted in a disastrous -14.9 impact.