Houston Rockets: State of the Franchise

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Houston faithful seem to have forgotten something: Daryl Morey knows what he's doing.

Before calling for Morey's head, let's at least wait out free agency.

Initially, I was upset at the Rockets' GM for not pursuing Ron Artest more, then I looked at his contract.

The Lakers are paying Artest $6 million over three years, $1 million less than he made in Houston last year.

Evidently, Artest was just ready to leave Houston, no matter the cost.

Artest was seen at every Lakers game after the Rockets were bounced last year's playoffs. Even then, most people just thought it was to watch the games.

I guess now we can speculate that he wanted to get a look at something he could be a part of: winning a championship.

When you initially hear about the situation, you think it is an immediate down grade for the Rockets. Not so fast.

With the teams basically switching defensive minded players who can shoot the three, you have to take youth, character, and demeanor into account when analyzing the player swap.

Both players bring effort, defensive ability, heart, and hard work to the team. However, Ariza is much younger with more room to improve: Not to mention the fact that he doesn't take as many ill advised shots as Artest.

What Ariza does not bring to the table, however, is unmatched strength and the ability to create his own shot. LeBron James calls Artest the most difficult player he's ever had to go up against.

With Yao being potentially out for all of next year, the opportunity arose to get younger, and Morey took advantage.

Yao has decided to wait a week before having surgery, no doubt he is looking for a second opinion on his foot.

As for the organization, they will be exploring uncharted waters if Yao is truly finished. They will have to make the decision to rebuild or wait out his injury, which won't be easy.

The Rockets should have a firmer grasp on their expectations come October: Right now, they are grim at best. They may enter the season tredding water, time will only tell whether or not they drown.

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