RealGM
ESPN
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:
realgm.com wrote: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?