Rocket Power: Analyzing Ron Artest and His Houston Teammates

Senior Writer Written on July 29, 2008

After a series of moves orchestrated by Western Conference teams such as the Warriors, Clippers, and Jazz, the Rockets have jumped on the offseason player carousel.

Houston acquired Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings for Bobby Jackson, a 2009 first-round draft pick, and Donte Greene.

Let's take a look at the Rockets' roster:

Rafer Alston, PG

2007-08 Season Numbers: 13.1 PPG, 5.3 APG, 1.3 SPG

2007-08Playoff Numbers: 14.3 PPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 SPG

Alston's three-point shooting percentage rose from 35.1 to 44 percent in the playoffs. He missed Games Five and Six against the Utah Jazz, but was key down the stretch during the Rockets' late resurgence in April.

Rafer will be looking to build upon his late-season success, and continue to prove to his critics that he is fit for the NBA.

Tracy McGrady, SG

2007-08 Season Numbers: 21.6 PPG, 5.9 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1.3 SPG

2007-08 Playoff Numbers: 27 PPG, 6.8 APG, 8.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG

Before Chris Paul began his storied tear with the Hornets, McGrady was in the early running—alongside Lakers G Kobe Bryant—for MVP. But McGrady's history of unwanted and consistent injuries flared up again, with back spasms, the flu, and shoulder strains being the culprits.

Combined, the injuries caused him to miss 16 games in 2007-08. T-Mac had offseason knee and shoulder surgery to reduce swelling and fix the damage left by reaggravation.

Tracy was marvelous in the postseason, as his steals, blocks, rebounding, point-per-game total, and field-goal percentage all ballooned.

McGrady was rumored to be heading to Detroit this summer—but so were Carmelo Anthony, Josh Smith, and Ben Gordon. After these new developments, McGrady will be returning to Houston to form a deadly trio.

Ron Artest, SF

2007-08 Season Numbers: 20.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.5 RPG

After a season of pouting and frustration, Ron was finally dealt to a contender.

Artest must be satisfied with this deal. Joining Shane Battier, another defensive standout, the two will form a one-two punch that will stalemate any opposing scorers.

Ron is the crowning piece for the Rockets starting unit, who have lacked another playmaker for years.

Shane Battier, PF

2007-08 Season Numbers: 9.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG

2007-08 Playoff Numbers: 10 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 1 SPG

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written on July 29, 2008 Preview/Prediction

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