Houston Rockets: Thin Free Agent Class Tests Texas Triangle

·     Bobby Jackson (likely a goner)

·     Mike Harris

·     Loren Woods

In the last game of that streak against the Lakers, Rafer Alston played the game of his life, scoring 40 points and committing no turnovers. Two of his career-high eight three-pointers were drilled from the figurative parking lot, at the end of the shot clock and with a defender in close range.

Can you rely on an unreliable shooter to make these shots and win a championship?

Alston all but proved with his solid play and newfound leadership last season that he can be a starting point guard on a championship contender. The Rockets do not need to shop Alston, yet. If he continues playing with the same fire that shot him over four other starting prospects during training camp, shoots near 40 percent from distance and improves his finishes at the rim, he needn't worry about his job security.

The best point guards in the league—Chris Paul, Tony Parker, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, and Jason Kidd—aren't going anywhere. Detroit Pistons general manager Joe Dumars has yet to move Chauncey Billups, Mo Williams is locked in Milwaukee, and Baron Davis jumped ship to head for L.A. Jose Calderon reportedly signed a new contract with the Toronto Raptors, T.J. Ford will play in Indiana, and the Sixers do not want Andre Miller to skip town.

Only one team has Chris Paul, so having Rafer Alston is not a death sentence.

The Rockets may have a point guard but that doesn't mean they get the point. Who is the team's third best player?

With some work on his post defense and finishing, Scola might claim that title. Do not expect this squad to win squat in the playoffs if that honor belongs to Battier or Alston.

James Posey defended like a Doberman and drained timely three pointers in the recently concluded NBA Finals to help the Celtics secure banner number 17. He was Boston's fifth or sixth best player at best.

Rajon Rondo, the second year point guard who notched a stat line in the series clincher worthy of a license plate—21 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and six steals—was the Celtics' fourth best player, sometimes.

The Rockets do not need to replace Battier or Alston to escape the first round. Morey needs to find another scorer who will alleviate pressure from the two limited scorers.

Fawn over Battier's underutilized jump hook all you want but this columnist says that is not his game. Battier is not a scorer and as long as Houston fans expect him to fill a 10-20 point void, he will be seen as a failure.

What the Rockets need most—Yao and McGrady in full health playing at a high level—no free agent signing can guarantee.

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