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
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