30 Teams In 30 Days: Houston Rockets

2007-2008 In Review

Record: 55-27
Western Conference Seed: 5
Playoff Results: Lost to UTA in Western Conference Quarterfinals (4-2)

Summer Of 2008

Key Additions

Ron Artest (via trade), Brent Barry (via free agency), Joey Dorsey (via draft), D.J. Strawberry (via trade).

Key Losses

Bobby Jackson (via trade), Steve Novak (via free agency).

For the first time since pairing Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming together in 2004, the Rockets have obtained a legitimate third scoring option. While he may have mental issues that may never be corrected, at the end of the day, he can play basketball.

On August 14, the Rockets shipped veteran guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene, and a 2009 first round draft pick to Sacramento in exchange for Ron Artest and rookies Patrick Ewing Jr. (who was subsequently waived) and Sean Singletary (who was later dealt to Phoenix for D.J. Strawberry).

That’s right, folks, Ron Artest has been relocated once again.

This time, however, it just might work. If not, no harm done, as Artest’s $8.45 million contract comes off the books at the end of this coming season. Given those contractual circumstances, this is as low-risk of an All-Star caliber acquisition as you’re going to find.

Artest adds a new dimension to this team on both ends of the floor. Offensively, like previously mentioned, this deal brings Houston a legitimate third option. The 28-year-old forward can score form both the inside and outside, post up, and create his own offense, which will take the pressure off of McGrady and Ming as well as give Adelman a go-to guy to turn to when the superstar duo is in need of a breather.

Defensively, you aren’t going to find much better than Ron Artest; especially when his defensive sidekick is Shane Battier. The grit, toughness, and defensive versatility of Artest gives the team a whole new look both mentally and physically.

Speaking of physicality, look no further than Rockets rookie center Joey Dorsey. If you’re unfamiliar with his style, think Ben Wallace, with a more expressive personality. Whether Dikembe Mutombo re-signs or not, Dorsey will bring a much-needed energy boost off the bench, and he may have a chance to contribute right away.

Houston was also able to retain Carl Landry this offseason. After Charlotte signed the second-year forward to a three-year, $9 million offer sheet—the third year containing a team option—Houston exercised their right to match the offer. For a relatively reasonable price, including a team option, Houston couldn't have asked for a much better situation. Once again, the Bobcats assist another team in re-signing their free agents (see: Anderson Varejao, 2007).

Back to Artest.

This is a move that could potentially push the Rockets over the top. Artest is motivated, eager to win, in a contract year, and absolutely relishes the opportunity of reuniting with Rick Adelman.

Mix those factors with Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Shane Battier, and a solid supporting cast (including newly acquired sharpshooter Brent Barry), you could very well be looking at one of the better teams in the NBA this coming season.

Hats off to Daryl Morey.

Depth Chart

C: Yao Ming / Joey Dorsey / Dikembe Mutombo*
PF: Luis Scola / Carl Landry / Chuck Hayes
SF: Ron Artest / Shane Battier / Mike Harris
SG: Tracy McGrady / Brent Barry / D.J. Strawberry
PG: Rafer Alston / Luther Head / Aaron Brooks / Steve Francis

Biggest Strength

Star Power

Not only do you have Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, which is more than enough star power as it is, you now have Ron Artest in the mix as well. The best part? Each of the three complement one another’s game to the highest degree.

With McGrady as the primary ball handler and creator, Ming as the post scorer, and Artest as the world class defender and gritty tone-setter, the sky is the limit. There aren’t many teams in the NBA that can match this trio’s level of talent and versatility.

If all goes well, it can be downright scary.

Biggest Weakness

Inconsistency

McGrady and Ming have certainly not been perfect throughout Houston’s last three first round playoff series’, hence the hat trick of first round exits, but they may not be the biggest component to Houston’s recent postseason woes.

In fact, 2007’s loss to Utah was the only time that each of the two stars simultaneously struggled throughout a series; and of course, Ming was unable to play in this past season’s playoff loss to the Jazz on account of a stress reaction in his left foot.

The larger issue, as far as consistency in the postseason is concerned, has been the efficiency of the supporting players. Whether it be Rafer Alston (2007), Ryan Bowen (2005), Luther Head (2007 & 2008), Juwan Howard (2007), Bobby Jackson (2008), Scott Padgett (2005), David Wesley (2005), or what have you, many members of Houston’s past three postseason supporting casts have failed to rise to the occasion when needed —particularly late in games when crucial shots have decided the outcome.

Even Michael Jordan had the Steve Kerrs and John Paxsons of the world to count on down the stretch of ballgames. Though no excuses are warranted, without proper help, McGrady’s first round wall will continue to stand as tall as the one in Yao Ming’s homeland.

X-Factor

Health

Unless you firmly believe that Tracy McGrady has been struck with a curse, it seems as though the only thing that will hold this team back from doing serious damage is health. While “T-Mac” is currently battling injuries to the left knee and arthritic left shoulder (which will require surgery next summer), to go along with his ongoing back troubles, Yao has missed a total of 86 regular season games over the past three seasons.

When your perimeter star is looking as though he’ll be in need of a walking cane by age 32 and your post presence is missing an average of 28.7 games per season, you’ve got the right to be as worried as Eddy Curry when he found out his new head coach was in favor of running.

If the core of this team can find a way to stay out of street clothes on the sidelines, then Rick Adelman may have something special to work with. If not, however, I don’t blame the entire Rockets fan base for engaging themselves in emotional therapy.

What to Expect In 2008-2009

Once again, Houston’s season rests on health. They’ve got an All-Star trio, a well above average defense, a more than formidable supporting cast, and an offensive genius of a head coach. As long as the injury bug doesn’t bite them in the butt, the 2009 Houston Rockets may very well challenge for the Western Conference crown. After that, anything is possible.

2008-2009 Predictions
55-27
2nd in Southwest Division
3rd in Western Conference

Tomorrow: Indiana Pacers

*Note: I was unable to get an article up late last night, hence the day-late posting of this article, but I still intend to follow up to my goal of 30 articles in 30 days. Be on the lookout for two articles to be posted on one day, at some point soon.