Rocket Power: Analyzing Ron Artest and His Houston Teammates

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

One of the game's best defenders, Battier's length and great size are the components of his stranglehold style of play. Like Tayshaun Prince, Shawn Marion, and Bruce Bowen, Shane is among the elite breed of forwards called upon to defend every position possible on the opposing team.

While Battier's core numbers may have trailed off against the Jazz, in his key elements—three-point shooting and one-on-one defense—he has continued to excel. Shane elevated his three-point percentage from 37.7 to an astounding 48.1 percent in the playoffs, and he helped limit Jazz F Carlos Boozer to only one 20-point game in their series.

Battier's transition to power forward in the upcoming season will be a test to just how versatile he really is.

Yao Ming, C

2007-08 Season Numbers: 22 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.0 BPG

Yao was the best center in the Western Conference until a horrific stress fracture on his left foot sidelined him for the final 22 games of the season and the playoffs.

Yao was the primary reason why the Rockets were able to rip off their record-setting 22-game win streak, posting six double-doubles and six 20-plus-point games during the run. In his latest call to duty, Yao scored 21 points in his return to basketball for China.

Bench

Luis Scola, PF/C

2007-08 Season Numbers: 10.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 0.2 BPG

Playoff Numbers: 14 PPG, 9 RPG, 0.6 BPG

Yet another Rocket player to benefit from the playoffs. Every major aspect of Scola's game improved: Points per game, assists per game, free-throw percentage, rebounds per game, and shot blocking,

Unfortunately for Scola, he receives the short end of the stick in the Artest acquisition. But he will have to take this blow for the team and step into his new role coming off the bench.

Scola has carried his play into International competition, scoring 23 points against Iran in a FIBA Basketball Tournament.

Joey Dorsey, C

2007-08 Season Numbers (at U-Memphis): 6.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 1.1 SPG

Nearly a clone of Carl Landry, Dorsey brings toughness, rebounding, and shot blocking to the Rockets, who still weren't physical enough to advance past the Utah Jazz last year. Even if the feud between Landry and the Rockets results in an unresolved contract, Houston, by salvaging Dorsey, wouldn't be that hurt.

Dikembe Mutombo, C

2007-08 Season Numbers: 3.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.2 BPG

2007-08 Playoff Numbers: 3.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.8 BPG

At 42 years young, Mutombo is called upon once again to anchor this team's frontcourt defense. Not only has Dikembe's presence on the court been noticed, but also his off-court effect on last season's newborn, Carl Landry.

The Rockets are hoping that Zeke will take rookie Joey Dorsey under his wing, and some of his experience will rub off on the Memphis graduate.

My projection is that the Houston Rockets will take the fifth seed in the Western Conference. The Rockets have all the talent, but team chemistry will be an issue.

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