Can TMac Stay Healthy for the Houston Rockets?
The Houston Rockets possibly over achieved last season stretching a 7 game series with the champs Los Angeles Lakers. They fought hard, but just couldn’t pull it out.
The Rockets defeated the young Portland Trailblazers team in the first round of the playoffs 4-2. The Rockets season ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in 7 games in round 2.
This nearly happened, as the Houston Rockets took the Los Angeles Lakers to a full seven games during the Western Conference semifinals last season. While the Lakers won this game 7 by a whole’ points, the Rockets had LA’s number during a few of these games, leaving many wondering just how dangerous this efficient basketball team was.
Under the effective leadership of head coach Rick Adelman, the Rockets team from last year will return for another season of basketball; only one thing has changed. Ron Artest, an integral part of this team, will no longer be a Houston Rocket. In fact, he’s now with the very team that put an end to Houston’s season last year.
The loss of Yao Ming for the entire season is devastating. While the Rockets have tough, physical players and will give their best efforts night in and night out – the Rockets can’t compete in the West seriously without Yao Ming.
The Rockets did pick up free agent Trevor Ariza – who had a very good regular season and played even better in the playoffs. Aaron Brooks had his break out season with the Rockets averaging 16 points per game in the playoffs – 5 more then his regular season average. Luis Scola had his best season in the NBA averaging 12 points per game and 8 rebounds.
The Rockets are a playoff team with the current roster they have. If the Rockets are ever going to contend for a championship they must stay healthy. Every year someone seems to get hurt thus limiting their chances at a serious title run.
Whether this has to do with having better players around him or issues with his health isn’t known, maybe both. McGrady’s scoring average always increased during the playoffs but he would face better teams and couldn’t make it out the first round.
For more on the Rockets check out the Houston Rockets forum at RootZoo Sports. Be sure to get the latest fantasy basketball news there as well.
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