Houston Rockets 08-09

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2007-2008 Season

Record: 55-27
Playoffs: 1st round exit, 4-2 by the Jazz
Significant Moments: 22 win streak, Yao's season ending injury, T-Mac's injuries

2008-2009 Season

Record: 55+wins
Playoffs: Semi/Conference finals
Significant Moments: Ron-ron...Ron actually behaves, Yao will miss 10+ games, T-Mac will miss 10+ games, T-Mac gets out of the first round

Key Off-season moves:
- Acquiring Ron Artest
- Re-signing Carl Landry
- Signing Brent Barry
- Signing Joey Dorsey

Projected Starters:
Alston, Mcgrady, Battier, Scola, Yao

Key Bench players:
Artest, Francis, Landry, Dorsey, Brooks

Thoughts: This season is going to be great. Oh the possibilities, the Rockets have imo, the 2nd most talented starting lineup in the league (behind the Celtics). Shame that the Rockets couldn't upgrade at the point position, and Rockets fan can only hope that Rafer either starts making shots or takes less shots. The Rockets will no doubt expect to see Yao or T-Mac miss several games as the season progresses (especially since Yao and T-mac are not gonna be 100% to start the season), but if they can stay healthy, the Rockets will be a lock to make a splash in the playoffs. My reasons for starting Battier is because he won't be a downgrade in the defensive department as opposed to starting Artest, and Artest will be more effective offensively off the bench. Even Artest has stated that he's willing to come off the bench, so people should question Odom's character in that regard.

So in a nutshell:
If Rockets stay healthy: Epic WIN
Otherwise: WIN

Quote of the Year:

They have a plethora of talent across the board. The are basically the Anti-2007-08 Heat. They can beat you inside, outside, on the wing, in the paint, on the baseline, on the bench, and in the stands. They have role players, defensive stars, playmakers, shooters, and scorers. This team has no reason to expect failure. But I just can’t buy into a team being led by T-Mac and Yao. I predict that they, at best, get to the West Semis…at best.

Any thoughts by other Rocket fans on this board?

When healthy: Top 5 team in the West
When not healthy: A free ticket to the second round for their opponent

Even if they are healthy, there is no guarantee they make the playoffs with juggernauts LA, San Antonio, Nawlins, and their preferred opponent the Jazz.

The Rockets getting any deeper into the playoffs is still a gamble with the number of good teams in the West. The only thing they achieved from acquiring Artest for nothing is that the probability of winning one playoff series has increased.

Not to sell their Western opponents short, but if the Rockets can't at least make a token appearance in the second round this year then the organisation is officially jinxed. Seriously though, putting any potential chemistry issues, Artest blowups and injuries aside the Rockets are fielding quite a good roster this year and definitely have a shot to be more than first round fodder...if everyone is healthy at the right time.

Even if they are healthy, there is no guarantee they make the playoffs with juggernauts LA, San Antonio, Nawlins, and their preferred opponent the Jazz.

While the Western conference is still a nightmare where winning nearly 50 games will not guarantee a playoff seed, the Rockets are a given to make the playoffs, considering that this is their best roster yet with the Yao/T-Mac combo. The only question is how deep they can go, and how healthy their stars can be.

Not to sell their Western opponents short, but if the Rockets can't at least make a token appearance in the second round this year then the organisation is officially jinxed.

The T-Mac jinx

definitely have a shot to be more than first round fodder

Last year, maybe. The Rockets of the past were anything BUT fodder imo, as they had the team to go deep into the playoffs. With Artest this year, the statement "COULD make it deep" is "SHOULD make it deep"

I just meant that that's how they ended up, I agree they were better than that. I thought they had a good chance of getting out of the first round last year too though without Yao it was a tall order.

Personally, I think they may be creating a logjam at the frontcourt positions. Lots of short, feisty power forwards and two defensive devils, wich may become redundant in Battier and Artest. Houston's problem for quite a long time has been the 4 position. They have very capable players, but they aren't very long.

If they should start their best 5 players, they would bring Artest at the 4. Doesn't look like a good idea for me. Where and when will they play Scola, Landry, Hayes and Dorsey then?

The Lakers have a similar problem now that Bynum is back. Odom is a great talent, given his versatility, rebounding and passing, but he's not the spot shooter they will need to open things up in the middle for Gasol and Bynum. Odom's best season came at the 4. I don't think he will accept a reserve role...

So: Houston would be smart to try to get Odom, trading Battier and Scola for him.

Artest would slide to the 3, duplicating Battier's defense, Odom would bring some scoring and ball handling to the 4, there would be plenty of time for Landry to earn his new contract, and for Dorsey to beast people around.

In Battier, the Lakers would get another tough perimeter defender, to take some pressure off KB, and one who happens to be a fairly good spot shooter. Scola has the toughness and the smarts to backup both the 4 and the 5 and he wouldn't take long to get confortable in the triangle offense...

Houston adds lenght and skill and another scorer at the 4.
LA gets tougher and adds a good perimeter shooter/defender.

And, best of all, Pow and Bat man would be reunited...

Where and when will they play Scola, Landry, Hayes and Dorsey then?

Scola is a lock for the starting PF position, you can take that to the bank. Landry will definitely be the backup PF, and Dorsey will split minutes as the PF/C, but mostly C until Mutombo gets signed. Hayes will just be in there to miss layups and reinforce 2k's attention for detail.

So: Houston would be smart to try to get Odom, trading Battier and Scola for him.

And this is why Daryl Morey is GM. Houston doesn't need Odom, and Odom doesn't need Houston. Battier brings hustle, defense, and a consistent 3pt shot to keep defenses from doubling on Yao, and Scola brings energy that Odom will NEVER bring. The Rockets would be giving up alot in this trade. Unless the Lakers are willing to part Odom for Head, Francis, future 1st rounder and some cash...

So I guess you see Battier playing in a 6th man role, since Mc Grady is no point guard and Artest
has to start. I'm not sure Battier is the prototypical game changer you bring off the bench... I suppose he wouldn't be as efficient in such a role.

You still have plenty of toughness in this team if you ship Scola and Battier. Artest, Hayes, Dorsey, Landry... They make up for that. What you don't have is playing time to go around and lenght at the 4... Odom has a lot of skills and Adelman has always brought the best out of great passing big men. His scoring and his rebounding would be welcome as well...

So I guess you see Battier playing in a 6th man role, since Mc Grady is no point guard and Artest
has to start.

Actually, if you've read my OP I suggested that the Rockets start Battier, simply because Artest wouldn't mind being the 6th, and since Artest is way better than Battier at creating his own shots and is equal if not better than Battier in defense, Battier starting while Artest becomes the 6th man is a no-brainer.

You still have plenty of toughness in this team if you ship Scola and Battier. Artest, Hayes, Dorsey, Landry...

Artest is a gamble. Hayes can't make a shot if his life was on the line, and Dorsey is still a project even at 25 years old. Landry is a lock, but the Rockets need to keep Scola for the Scolandry 1-2 punch that alot of Rockets fan are proud of. Scola is locked for this season and next season for a really cheap price, especially considering a player of his caliber. Odom for Scola wouldn't even be considered by the Rockets front office, let alone throwing in another crucial player (Battier) into the trade. Another factor is Odom's ego. If Artest of all people is willing to step into a 6th man role for the interest of the team (which Odom is unwilling to do), then I'm sure Odom is way off the Rocket's radar.

This is not to offend anyone. Here is my opinion for Houston Rockets for 2008-2009.

Houston Rockets (if healthy) will rank around 2~5 in the western conference. at least a 55win this year. Most likely around 60wins+.

Houston Rockets have the best lineup in the whole league by theory.

Boston Celtics: Yao+Mcgrady+Artest=Pierce+garnett+allen Rondo>alston Scola>Perkins.
At best we can say that the two teams are even in starting lineup.
Bench: Tony Allen, Cassell, Powe, Davis, Eddie House...
: Carl Landry, Battier, Dorsey, Brent Barry, Dorsey, Francis, Brooks...
I can tell you Houston will own them in bench power.

Lakers: Gasol+Bynum>Yao+ Scola Mcgrady+Artest=odom+bryant Fisher=alston
Seem like laker is a little stronger in the starting lineup
Bench: Vujacic ( what ever that dude name is ), Radmanovic (stupidest player ever), Farmar, ariza, walton
: Carl Landry, Battier, Dorsey, Brent Barry, Dorsey, Francis, Brooks...
Houston is DOMINATING them in bench.

I am not going to put in San Antonio Spurs or Suns since they cannot match Houston's lineup.


A proposal plan for Houston Rockets-
Letting Yao play around 65 games in a season. Let Yao sit out against teams that are playing small lineup or weak team. Also let T-Mac rest some nights off with moving Battier to the starting lineup. This way by the time playoff comes, Houston Rockets will not be that exhausted.

Starting Line up: Landry/Dorsey, Scola, Battier, Artest, Alston/Brooks
With bench power from brent barry, head, hayes. Even without Yao or T-mac this line up look good already.

Steve Francis- IF IF IF he is 80% of here he was in the allstar year than Houston Rockets is SICK. But if he is not, not really big deal. We are already very competitive.

Thanks , leave feedback . Sorry for my bad english!

Staying healthy and Ron Artest not killing anyone is the key. Hope for a better season than the last 2 or 3.

I really like this team on paper. I don't think Ron Artest will be an issue here; just a positive contributor to the team.

I think it all comes down to injuries. So it did not help that MacGrady was bitching about his injuries a few weeks ago. Will be interesting to see if T-Mac stays healthy. Same goes for Yao Ming. The Rockets can't get any further than the second round without one of their star duo... not to mention if two of them were to become injured.

If everyone is healthy, especially come the playoffs, I think they can make the Western Conference Finals. The key is that this team is healthy by playoff time. Then, it doesn't matter if they are a 5 or 6 seed, I think they are talented enough to make a good run. If they are a 3 or 4 seed and one of the main guys is injured, that's when this team is in trouble

Players that are going to be essential this season:

- Scola
- Yao
- MacGrady
- Artest

I think that Shane Battier is expendable... but could prove to be a handy sixth man... even though everyone talks about his 'glue guy' tag, Battier would be the first guy I would trade away in order to get a player who would fill a need...

And to whoever said Steve Francis playing at a level that we saw before... forget about it because I seriously think that his time was up when he got to New York... he's not the same player as he used to be... although I wish he were healthy so we could see what he still has left in the tank.

Letting Yao play around 65 games in a season. Let Yao sit out against teams that are playing small lineup or weak team. Also let T-Mac rest some nights off with moving Battier to the starting lineup. This way by the time playoff comes, Houston Rockets will not be that exhausted.

Risky, since his absence does leave them depleted and the odd loss to a weaker team here and there suddenly look much more significant when it comes time to seed teams for the Playoffs but with the grind Yao's been put through since he came to the NBA perhaps they should hold him out of some back-to-backs as he's not likely to be 100% out of the gate this year.

I am still thinking that Houston Rockets will do a trade in the season. Hayes and Head are two players Houston Rockets doesn't need. We can package Battier, Hayes, and Head for a really good back up guard or a point guard. Or we trade Hayes and Head for a tall center who is capable. I am really think billups. Since Detroit is never going to win a champion with its old line-up, time for reconstruction. If stuckey is starter worthy, then I think Houston has a chance to get billups.

And statement on Francis. I am hoping a miracle will happen lol.
If Houston can get a good player out of those 3 then I think letting Yao sit out against weak team is totally fine. Artest+Mcgrady+Scola is more than enough to kill a weak team. Not to mention Landry, Barry, brooks, Dorsey[/quote]

Seems like Artest's take no shit attitude is rubbing off on the Rockets already.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szh4eWBnnUI[/youtube]

I nominate Bill Walker's flop for flop of the year. Either that or T-Mac would really give Monty Brown/Marcus Cor Von a run for his money.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcEJS5855Us&feature=related[/youtube]

Seems like Artest's take no shit attitude is rubbing off on the Rockets already.

Bill Walker and Eddie House deserved to get beat, go TMac!!!

It looked like T-Mac put a tad too much shoulder into that for nothing to happen or get called but Walker really did sell it like a pro wrestling move.