Houston Rockets: In-Season Review

Well, the All-Star break is upon us, and it's time to look at the Rockets' season up to this point.

The Rockets have had several flashes of great basketball this season. Unfortunately, they have yet to put it together for a long stretch. Their longest winning streak is four games, yet Adelman still thinks they can put together a strong finish.

Point Guards

Rafer Alston

Alston has been up and down all season.

When both Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest went down in December, he stepped his game up and was scoring 20-plus points every night. When it happened again in January, he stepped his game up once again. He seems either unwilling or incapable of playing well offensively with both McGrady and Artest in the lineup. 

He has been in a season-long shooting slump, almost never putting together back-to-back nights where he shoots the ball well.  He has improved his passing ability of late, recording a 13-assist performance in his last outing. 

Aaron Brooks

Brooks has been a consistent scorer off the bench. He is averaging 10 points in just over 20 minutes per game. As the season has rolled along, he is in the lineup more and more. Lately, Adelman has even been leaving him in late in the game with the starters, as the Rockets seem to go in slumps almost every fourth quarter.

His shooting has struggled recently, but he has put it together the last three games. He is a terrific back-up for the time being, and has the chance to be a starter in the near future.

Shooting Guards 

Tracy McGrady

Disappointing would be the kindest word to describe McGrady's season.

He had offseason knee surgery, and assured Houston natives he would be ready for this season.  When he started the season, it was obvious he was not. He wasn't going to the basket as often, nor was he shooting the ball like he is capable. He just wasn't T-Mac.

He has sat out for two-week stretches twice this season and is out yet again until he is reevaluated next week. 

Ironically, the Rockets have done well in his absence, going 12-5 in the 17 games he has missed. His teammates are adamant about his health coinciding with their success in the latter part of the season, and I am of the same opinion.

Von Wafer 

Von Wafer has been nothing short of spectacular in McGrady's absence. Adelman realized he had a viable weapon on the bench, and the second time McGrady took a 'leave of absence,' he inserted Wafer into the lineup. 

He scored in double figures every game McGrady sat out, and brings energy and the ability to drive to the basket that they lack when McGrady is not playing.  His shooting percentage is off the charts for a guard, and I look forward to watching him play again if McGrady is going to sit out for another stretch.

Small Forwards

This is probably the Rockets' deepest position.

With Artest and Shane Battier being rotated around, you'd think they would have an unstoppable defensive team.  For the first two months, that was the case. 

Lately, however, they have struggled on the defensive end, especially on the road.  They have given up at least 104 points in their last five road games, and gave up triple digits much more than they would have liked in January.

Shane Battier

Battier has been another player who has just not found his shot all season. It may have something to do with the injury that forced him to miss the first few weeks of the season. Whatever it is, they need his shot to be on to stretch the defense.

He has brought his usual leadership and defensive ability to the team, and continues to be that guy in the locker room to bring the team together in rough times.

Ron Artest

Artest has had an awkward season, to say the least. He was brought in to be the missing piece for a Rockets championship. When he struggled early, they said it was just because he had to find his role in the offense. Well, it is February 13, 2009, it's about time he figured it out.

He has shot under 40 percent from the field this season, which is abysmal. If he can't find his shot in the near future, his contribution to the team will be all for naught.

Power Forwards

This is, without a doubt, the Rockets' most improved position so far this season.

Luis Scola

Scola has been terrific all year. Along with Yao Ming, he's the only consistent offensive threat every game. The problem is, they don't look to him very often. 

Scola is averaging 12 points and eight rebounds per game, and has grabbed 18 boards three times this season. He is a monster on the boards and a flat-out hustle player. He brings consistent energy each night and is a player the Rockets need to hold on to.

Carl Landry

Landry is someone every fan loves to watch. When he comes off the bench I can guarantee what he is going to bring, night in and night out—Heart. He has never-ending energy, and is incredible on the offensive glass. He hustles, extends plays, and has developed a fantastic mid-range jumper.

If the Rockets aren't careful, he could look for greener pastures sometime soon, he can be a starter in a lot of places.

Center

Yao Ming

Yao is not averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds like we are used to, but he's still up there. In my educated opinion, he is the best center in the league hands down.  He can bring finesse and strength to his game unlike any other Center in the league. He has the best shot at the position, and is the most successful free-throw shooter. 

He has resumed his dominance lately, as the Rockets are working hard to get him involved much more.  Over the last month, he's averaged 21 points and 9.2 rebounds. 

He has already dominated the young up-and-coming centers in the league. He handled Andrew Bynum twice this season and took Dwight Howard to school in Orlando. People think he is too soft to play the position. If playing well against those two is him being soft, I'm fine with that.

Team

The team has been successful in the sense that they have not completely folded given all the injuries. They have hung in with a 32-21 record as the No. 5 seed in the West. A surprise to many, seeing as how they've yet to consistently play with one lineup this season.

I've been defending the team all year, saying they will eventually put it all together and start dominating.

I've been under this illusion that the team will be completely healthy at some point, but there are no signs to indicate that happening. I'm almost to the point of giving up, seeing as how we are at the All Star break, and have had the most starting lineups of any team so far. 

I'm sticking by the team, but if they aren't healthy by playoffs, they will come face-to-face with a familiar friend; the first round exit.