The Rockets are going to be the same team this year.
They have filled the holes that they had at the point and the power forward which were trouble spots for the Rockets.
They have added talent with Francis, James, and Luis Scola who is considered the best player outside of the NBA, a back to back Euro League MVP, and MVP of this years Fiba tournament scoring over 20 points in both of his meetings against the US. Not to mention Bonzi will be more of a factor this year because he is EXCITED to play for his old coach Adelman. This makes the Rockets a much deeper team. Plus, there is a high chance of getting another player through a trade because of having so many guards.
They got rid of Van Gundy, and now have Rick Adelman. Rick is an amazing offensive coach. He would have had a few championships if it wasnt for Shaq, Kobe, and the Lakers. Van Gundy was a horrible offensive coach and it was way too hard for the Rockets to score. Rick Adelmans offense will get players easier buckets. Not to mention the fact that they will be playing more uptempo like the rest of the Western Conference which always allows for easier buckets.
Yao Ming and Luis Scola will be great in Rick Adelmans offense. They will make great passes to the cutters and Rick will allow Scola AND Yao to step outside the paint and shoot the 10-15 foot jumper because BOTH men are capable of this. If you watched Scola in the Fiba Americas, you can see how effective he was in the high screen and roll. He would set the pick for the ball handler and be left open after he released, and he would knock that shot down time after time. Expect to see this happen with the Rockets as well. Adelman also said that he will use Yao outside of the paint, which is great as it makes the Rockets and Yao that much harder to defend.
Tracy McGrady will have a more productive season this year. He wont have to expend energy by always having to have the ball in his hands. Rick Adelman will set him up and get him in spots that will make him the most effective and get him easy points. He can be the finisher now with James and Francis as the playmakers who can and will set him up and make things easier for him. Playing more uptempo will allow for easier points for T-Mac. Especially since they will be getting out on the break more often. He will be more motivated this year with all the additions and taking an early exit from the playoffs last season. T-Mac will reemerge as one of the NBA's elite and the Rockets WILL GET OUT OF THE FIRST ROUND THIS SEASON. I guarantee it!
The Rockets 07-08 Line up:
Pg- James
Sg- T-Mac
Sf- Battier
Pf- Scola
C- Yao
6- Francis
7- Wells
8- Head
9- Mutombo
10- Hayes
11- Brooks (Amazing Talent. Might even be higher in the depth chart this year)
If anything, I suspect the Rockets will be overrated this year. Houston and Boston are the two teams whose bandwagons will need extra reinforcement in December or January.
If anything, I suspect the Rockets will be overrated this year. Houston and Boston are the two teams whose bandwagons will need extra reinforcement in December or January.
I don't think Houston is too overrated. However, the Celtics' bandwagon may have more members than it can support. The nails may pop out of that thing, the wood support may split.
were is alston and snyder are they out of the rotation?
I just posted who will see the most action this year. Snyder will play sparadically and get time if somebody gets injured. Alston will not be seeing much action with Mike James, Steve Francis, and the protege Aaron Brooks in front of him. Especially not with all the trouble he's getting in.
He will have to prove himself in training camp first.
True, but I think Francis will prove himself, he seems really determined ever since going back to Houston. I personally think he's going to get the start over James. It comes ultimately down to talent, and Francis has more of it.
somebody forgetting Lurther Head? this dude's the next big thing... i think he'll be the 6th man if the Rockets decide to go small
PG-Mike James
SG-Steve Francis
SF-Tracy McGrady
PF-Shane Battier
CT-Yao Ming
6M-Lurther Head
I have lots of love for luther. I dont know bout the next big thing yet. I think Aaron Brooks fits that category. But Head could be, he scored 22, 26, and 21 in games that he started last year. He even had a 30 pt game, OFF THE BENCH. So he definately has the ability.
But I hear that he would be a valuable trade asset because of this and his low price. This makes him very valuable. Hope they don't, but it is a strong possibility. Especially if they can get something nice in return.
Do Not Sleep On The Rockets This Year!!!
