The NBA landscape is a constantly shifting tableau of contracts, narratives, and the relentless pursuit of competitive advantage. Recent news highlights two distinct, yet equally compelling, storylines: the stark statistical disparity in free throw attempts between two of the league’s premier guards, Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and a significant commitment by the Houston Rockets to veteran big man Steven Adams. These seemingly unrelated developments offer insights into team building philosophies, player evaluation, and the nuanced value propositions within the modern NBA.
Let’s first delve into the intriguing contrast between Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) regarding their free throw attempts. Both are undeniably superstar-level guards, leading their respective teams and dictating offensive flow. SGA, the dynamic and shifty guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has become synonymous with getting to the free-throw line. Throughout the 2024-25 season and particularly in the recent NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, SGA consistently ranked among the league leaders in free throw attempts, often drawing criticism from some quarters who perceive his game as heavily reliant on foul baiting. His ability to initiate contact, absorb hits, and flail effectively, combined with his incredible body control, has made him a master at accumulating points from the charity stripe. For instance, in the 2024-25 season, a significant portion of his scoring output, reportedly around 24%, came from free throws, with him leading the league in free throw makes. In the NBA Finals matchup against Indiana, he continued this trend, leading all players in fouls drawn and free throw attempts. This reliance on free throws is a double-edged sword: it provides easy points and can frustrate opponents, but it also opens him up to accusations of being a “free throw merchant” and can lead to a less aesthetically pleasing style of play for some viewers.
Conversely, Tyrese Haliburton, the maestro of the Indiana Pacers offense, operates with a remarkably different approach. Despite being a primary ball-handler and a high-usage player, Haliburton’s game is characterized by efficiency, pinpoint passing, and a notable aversion to drawing fouls. Reports from the recent NBA Finals indicated that Haliburton was, at times, going entire games without a single free throw attempt, even while maintaining stellar scoring averages and leading his team to impressive victories. His offensive game is built on quick decisions, elite three-point shooting, and a mid-range game that relies more on finesse and spacing than brute force or contact initiation. He’s a player who seeks to create open looks for himself and his teammates through movement and precise execution, rather than driving aggressively into traffic to draw whistles. While this makes his game incredibly pure and often more beautiful to watch, it also means he foregoes a consistent source of easy points, which can be crucial in tight playoff games. This mismatch in free throw attempts highlights a fundamental difference in their offensive arsenals and how they attack defenses. SGA is a master of leveraging contact for points, while Haliburton focuses on surgical efficiency from the field. Both approaches are effective, but they paint a clear picture of divergent philosophies in modern guard play.
Meanwhile, in a separate but equally noteworthy development, the Houston Rockets have demonstrated their commitment to building a competitive, veteran-infused roster by agreeing to a three-year, $39 million contract extension with center Steven Adams. This deal, reportedly fully guaranteed, ensures that the 31-year-old New Zealander remains a crucial piece of the Rockets’ puzzle through the 2027-28 season.
Adams, who was originally traded to the Rockets from the Memphis Grizzlies in February 2024 (a deal that saw Victor Oladipo and three future second-round picks go to Memphis), missed the entire 2023-24 season due to knee surgery. His return to action for the 2024-25 season was highly anticipated, and he quickly proved his value to the young Rockets squad. Despite logging the least minutes of his 11-year career (averaging just 13.7 minutes per game in 58 regular-season appearances), Adams’ impact extended far beyond his modest box score averages of 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds.
His true value lies in his elite screening, offensive rebounding prowess, interior defense, and invaluable veteran leadership. The Rockets, a team brimming with young talent like Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, found immense benefit from Adams’ presence. Houston significantly outscored opponents when Adams was on the floor, showcasing his positive impact on team efficiency. This was particularly evident in their first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, where the Rockets reportedly outscored their opponents by a remarkable 14.1 points per 100 possessions with Adams on the court. Coach Ime Udoka often deployed him in “twin towers” lineups alongside Alperen Sengun, creating a formidable defensive frontcourt and dominating the offensive glass. Adams’ ability to set bone-crushing screens opened up driving lanes for Houston’s guards and freed up shooters, directly contributing to their offensive flow.
The $13 million annual average value of Adams’ new deal is considered a team-friendly contract, especially given his unique skillset and the demand for quality big men across the league. Several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, were reportedly hoping Adams would test the free agency waters this summer, but the Rockets moved swiftly to lock him up before he hit the open market. This proactive move prevents Houston from having to overpay for a comparable center in a competitive free agency period.
For the Rockets, this extension signals a continued commitment to their vision of blending promising young talent with established veterans. They’ve invested heavily in their core with extensions for Sengun ($185 million over five years) and Green ($105 million over three years), and also have a significant decision looming with Fred VanVleet’s player option. Retaining Adams, a player who contributes significantly to winning basketball in ways that don’t always appear in traditional statistics, ensures continuity and toughness in their frontcourt. His role as a mentor to Sengun, a burgeoning star center himself, is also invaluable, helping Sengun develop his defensive acumen and understanding of the physical demands of the NBA game.
The contrast between Haliburton and SGA’s free throw reliance highlights two effective but stylistically different approaches to offensive creation in the NBA. One prioritizes efficiency through finesse and smart playmaking, while the other masterfully leverages contact and aggression. Both are elite, and their success underscores the multifaceted nature of modern basketball. Simultaneously, Steven Adams’ new deal with the Rockets demonstrates the enduring value of traditional big man skills, veteran leadership, and defensive impact in a league increasingly dominated by perimeter play. Houston’s commitment to Adams underscores a pragmatic approach to team building, recognizing that not all valuable contributions are measured in scoring titles or flashy highlights, but often in the gritty, foundational work that enables a team to contend. These are the underlying currents that define the NBA’s strategic landscape as teams continue to evolve and adapt.
