2009-10 Rockets Basketball Looks Bright

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 17: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets looks to pass as he is covered by Jordan Farmar #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 17, 200

The Rockets finally broke free and got out of the first round, only to come up short to the Los Angeles Lakers. But this season looks to be different. With Aaron Brooks having half a season of starting under his belt, I expect him to be a playmaker and lead the talent filled Rockets through the NBA Playoffs.

Current Roster – Guards

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Yao Ming #11 and Tracy McGrady #1 of the Houston Rockets look on at the end of the game against the Golden State Warriors November 29, 2007 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The Warriors beat the Rockets 113-94. NOTE

With the two superstars recovering from injuries last season, this year is promising. At point guard, we have the two young guns, Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry. They will look to distribute the ball and push tempo. At shooting guard, which is not set in stone due to injury and free agency, it looks like T-Mac will start and Von Wafer will come off the bench.

Current Roster – Forwards

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 04: Ron Artest #96 of the Houston Rockets drives through Pau Gasol #16 and Trevor Ariza #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Cente

Before the injuries to Tracy and Shane Battier, Rick Adelman was going to bring Ron Artest off the bench in 2008-09. However, things didn't go as planned. This year, if we can get Ron Ron resigned, it looks like he and Shane will be competing for a starting job at the small forward position. And James White, the 27-year-old out of Cincinatti will back them up. As for Power Forwards, Luis Scola and Carl Landry are going to most likely solidify that position, with Joey Dorsey backing them up.

Current Roster – Center

NEW YORK - JANUARY 26: Chuck Hayes #44 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the New York Knicks on January 26, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this

Chuck Hayes (above) is as of right now, the back up center. However, at a height of 6'6, he is extremely undersized. Yao, who has had major injury problems in the past, is not reliable to play all season. So I look for the Rockets to bring in a bigger back up, who can take over if Yao does in fact get injured.

The Road to the Finals

DALLAS - JUNE 20: The Miami Heat hold up the Larry O'Brien trophy after they defeated the Dallas Mavericks in game six of the 2006 NBA Finals on June 20, 2006 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The Heat won 95-92 and win the series 4-2. NOTE

The 2009-10 season looks promising for the up and coming Rockets. With the mix of NBA veterans and young spark plugs, we have the pieces to go all the way. However, we are our own worst enemy. Injuries, mistakes, and ball hogging from Mr. Artest has destroyed our dreams of achieving greatness. But with the runner up coach of the year, Rick Adelman helping us become unified, it looks like we are headed for a glorious season.

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