This week, with the 2025 NBA playoffs in full swing, The Athletic brought back its annual anonymous player poll to survey the league.
In 2025, the poll is more comprehensive than ever, with 158 players taking part. That represents more than one-third of the league, with players from all 30 teams taking part.
While no players or staffers from the Rockets led any of the categories, there was some representation. Here is a look at questions where Houston generated a response:
The poll questions were asked from early March until mid-April, and players were granted anonymity so that they could answer honestly and without fear of reprisals.
- Who is the league’s most overrated player? Houston votes included Dillon Brooks (2.2%) and Jock Landale (1.1%)
- Who is the league’s most underrated player? Houston votes included Amen Thompson (2.2%) and Jalen Green (1.5%)
- What is the league’s best organization? Houston (0.7%)
- Aside from your own current coach, who is the best coach in the league? Ime Udoka (3.4%)
- Which player in the league would you least like to fight? Steven Adams (11.3%, No. 3 among all players)
“He is stronger than you could ever possibly believe,” one player said of Adams, via The Athletic. “You can deal with crazy when it comes to skirmishes and stuff, but he has this calm demeanor about him that he doesn’t say much or do much. But he just would overpower you and squish you with his thumb. You kind of have to worry about the quiet ones. Those are ones that you have to keep your eye out for.”
The complete poll, along with leaders in each category, can be read here.
More: Rockets center Steven Adams named as a finalist for NBA’s Teammate of the Year award
