Houston Rockets: Early Impressions of the 2011-12 NBA Team

While teams like the Los Angeles Lakers have already taken to the court three times, new head coach Kevin McHale has had only one opportunity to get a look at his new Houston Rockets club.

The result wasn't exactly what McHale would have hoped for, a 104-95 loss to the Orlando Magic.

Even though it's only been one game, we can gather some opinions on this team.

Let's take a look at some early impressions of the 2011-12 Houston Rockets.

Samuel Dalembert Is Exactly What the Rockets Need

No disrespect to Yao Ming, but how long has it been since the Rockets had a center that can do the things Dalembert showed.

Dikembe Mutombo?

Dalembert was great closing the gap on shooters and contesting shots. He clogged up the paint and most importantly was active in it.

His contributions will be big.

Kyle Lowry Is a Future All-Star

Once you get to be around 25-years-old in NBA circles, you pretty much are what you are as a player, but Lowry is the exception.

He's still improving.

His ball-handling has gotten better and he could become one of the best Rockets point guards ever. Steve Francis included.

He's a leader and is capable of taking this team places.

Terrence Williams Continues To Impress

The Rockets need some scoring punch of the bench and Williams can score in bunches.

He chipped in nicely with 13 points off the bench.

Kevin Martin Won't Finish the Season in Houston

To say he wasn't very good would be a huge understatement.

1-of-10 from the floor including 0-of-6 from three-point range just doesn't cut it.

You have to wonder what his value is around the league, though. It's not as high as it once was.

Kevin McHale Has To Figure out a Solid Rotation

McHale gets a pass being that it was only one game, but this season isn't a normal season and he will have to figure things out quickly.

Luis Scola at center in the fourth quarter just doesn't work.

Once he figures things out though, this team should be good.

They Must Shoot Better

For Houston to make a run, they can't have many more nights that see Martin and Chase Budinger combine to go 0-of-9 from behind the arc.

These two guys are counted on to score and seven combined points won't cut it.

Defense Is Soft

They can't allow teams to shoot over 53 percent from the floor. Allowing Hedo Turkoglu to take over the game in the fourth quarter is also not acceptable.

If they want to be a good team, then the Rockets must learn to get the lead and close things out.

The Rockets Will Sneak into the Playoffs

Yeah that's right, the Rockets will return to the postseason in McHale's first year on the bench.

There's good talent on this team and if they put together a couple of winning streaks, they will be right there, competing for the No. 8 seed.