Houston Rockets - season preview

[Karma]

POINT GUARDS

Bob Sura / Mike James / Moochie Norris / Charlie Ward

SHOOTING GUARDS

David Wesley / Derek Anderson / Jon Barry

SMALL FORWARDS

Tracey McGrady / Ryan Bowen

POWER FORWARDS

Stromile Swift / Juwon Howard

CENTERS

Yao Ming / Dikembe Mutumbo / Vin Baker​

Other Players : Luther Head (G), Lonny Baxter (PF)
2004/05 : 51-31, 3rd Southwest, Western Conference No. 5 Seed
Key Additions : Derek Anderson, Stromile Swift
Coach : Jeff Van Gundy

Strengths : The Houston Rockets have one of the premier inside outside tandoms in swingman Tracy McGrady and giant center Yao Ming. Coming into his second season with the Rockets, McGrady looks to take this team to the next level through his multi dimensional offensive game. His developing relationship with Yao is key for this franchise. Yao Ming is slowly starting to gain confidense and with that comes dominance. The skilled big man creates a mass of space for his team mates, whilst his sheer length enables him to find his own offense comfortably. The Rockets brought in athletic big man Stromile Swift to give them a different look up front and he helps form a solid rotation with veteran Juwon Howard. The addition of Derek Anderson gives them a skilled big long guard to go with shooters Davis Wesley, Mike James and the varied game of Bob Sura.

Weaknesses : This team is quite deep, with the new additions of Swift and Anderson along with the development of Yao minimising this teams holes. With oft injured Sura again struggling with knee problems, the Rockets go with James and Wesley in the backcourt. This tandom will be dominated at times at the defensive end with james rather weak defensively whilst Wesley's quickness has all but left him. Anderson will come off the bench to help but he to is broken down from a couple of injury plagued seasons. New boy Swift comes in needing to improve his defensive awareness. He may come up with some highlight blocks, but is often beaten to positions and is a poor team defender. His partner Howard, also does not possess great defensive abilities which will apply further pressure on center Yao.

Key Player : The development of the 7'5 Yao Ming is the key to this franchise. McGrady my come up with the big numbers and highlights, but it will be up to Yao to fulfill his potential and start consistently dominating his opponents. At times Yao lacks the killer instinct to take his game to the next level. Ming has the tools to be anything and I believe the dissapointment of the game 7 embarressment to Dallas in the Western Conference quarter finals will spur the gentle giant to bigger things this season.

Overview : After making the journey back into the finals last season, the Rockets have been busy looking for ways of taking this team further. The relationship between superstars Yao and McGrady should be improved with a season under their belts. Coach Van Gundy did a solid job last season and with new faces Swift and Anderson, will be confident of improving their win column in the tough division that also includes San Antonio and Dallas. The improved depth should see this team leapfrog Dallas and progress into the playoffs with the homecourt advantage.

Win Range : 52 - 57 wins

 

[West Remy]

Depending on how the Western playoff seeds shake out, Dallas and Houston could be headed towards another 1st round match up. I expect another war but a part of me thinks the Rockets may win it this time. Yao Ming has been lifting weights and looks noticeably stronger, not to mention he's had the ability to rest this summer (first time he's been allowed to take time off). With Sura's injured knee (he just had surgery, right), Head should move up a spot and have the chance to come off the bench and prove himself. If he can't beat Ward or Norris out for minutes, that would be bad for a 1st round pick. Mutumbo continues to defy age and play like he's the best back up center in the league. So the center rotation is very solid. Signing Baxter was a decent move. It gives Houston a physical, 260 pound wagon. With Swift and Howard (not a huge fan of his game but his jumper from the elbow of the court fits in perfect with the Houston offense) added to Baxter, the PF rotation should be solid as well.

 

[highplainsdrifter]

Up 2-0 with wins in Dallas and they blow it. Horrible. I love TMacs game, he is smooth baby, and a threat at all spots on the floor. Remember that game he hit all those 3s to come back and win in the last minute? (dont remember against who)

Yao should be ever better this year, but im not sure if he will ever be GREAT, due to his lack of FIRE, he seems too nice, gotta get MEAN! Probably due to living in China, where its all about the community, not the individual.

They add more talent this offseason, and will be a tough out! I predict at least second round.

 

[West Remy]

I think the Western media makes a serious mistake in saying that living in China makes Yao nice. For starters, there are hundreds of different cultures and ethnic groups living in China, so they're not a homogenous group of people by any means. And Yao being nice isn't any real reflection of the city he's from, but rather his individual personality. Some Chinese cultures value community over self more than others.

 

[TruBuckeye22]

i really like this team and rate them as the 2nd best in thw West. however they are also the 2nd best in their own division so they are 4th seed at best. that may mean a date with the Spurs in the western semis. i think the one area they could improve is at PG but Sura played well when healthy.

 

[TJ_4_CV31]

While the Rockets may be a bit long in the tooth in the backcourt with James and Wesley, let's not forget about the addition of 1st round draft pick Luther Head. Head is as competitive as they come and can really get after it defensively. Head may eventually become the mini me to Rip Hamilton. Head is perpetual motion with excellent quicks. With Sura's health in doubt, look for Head to get a little run.

Overall, Houston is solid from top to bottom with excellent depth. They are perhaps one impact pg away from being a FAVORITE in the west. Mike James can be good, but is too streaky and inconsistant to be relied on. He'll always be overshadowed by Nash, Parker, and Terry in the playoffs.

Any team with McGrady and Yao has a chance to contend. This is a team that can beat any team in the west as evidenced by McGrady's 13pt 3 pointer assault in the last minute against the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs. Don't count them out.