So I just read todays Daily Dime article on ESPN.com by Tim Legler about who will miss out on the playoffs in the Western Conference. Guess who he chose would miss out? None other than ESPNs whipping boy, the Rockets. Is it just me or does it seem as though a majority of NBA analysts love to talk down about the Rockets, even when they are playing well? Well lets go ahead an straighten a few things out.
First of all, stop comparing this years team to last years team. Anyone who says that we have lost our best player for the year has not been watching this years team. Tracy McGrady was VERY important to our success last year mainly because after Yao went out he was our only superstar. Behind him, it was only Battier and some rookies that were barely making their mark, one of which was also coming off of an injury. This year, the Rockets planned for an injury and brought in Artest. And guess what, there was an injury. Even before Tmac decided to call himself out, he was not himself at all this year. Offensively he showed flashes, but on defense, he was never able to really play. With him out indefinately, the Rockets are finally able to play consistently. And now, we have to legitimate superstars carrying this team into the playoffs in Yao and Artest. So, already, this years team is better than last years team down the stretch; last year = one superstar, this year = two superstars.
Secondly, I dont know why there hasn't been more talk about the Rockets bench. In my opinion, the Rockets have one of the deepest benches in the NBA. I hear all this talk about the Lakers bench, but I just don't see it. The Rockets can actually go 12 players deep, and at times this year, they have. When you have the luxury of having players like Brent Barry, Carl Landry, Kyle Lowry (ill get to more about this in a bit), Chuck Hayes, Dikembe Mutombo, and Von Wafer, you have guys that could start for other teams. Albeit that Hayes and Mutumbo are defensive only players, but they are two players who excel at it. Wafer is the only one of the group who is raw, but he brings energy that only fuels the motivation of his teammates. Besides the bench, the depth of scoring is something the Rockets haven't had in awhile. Besides Yao and Artest, the Rockets have Scola, who has proven himself in international play as a legitmate post up player, Brooks and Lowry, who are two guards that can get to the basket at will to create open shots for our 3 point shooters, Landry, who is getting back to 100% with an additional 15-foot jump shot, and Barry, who can still knock down the 3 with the best of them along with being one of the best passers in the league. This team has more than enough firepower to beat any team in the league.
Finally, the Rafer trade. I'm tired of hearing that Rockets were giving up on the season because we traded Alston. Everyone who has been following the Rockets knew that Aaron Brooks was the point guard of the future. He has been playing very well this year and the opportunity came up to give him the starting spot and the Rockets took it. In return, the Rockets got Kyle Lowry, a third year back up point guard from Memphis. I'll admit, I didn't know much about him, but after watching his first game with Houston, I never doubted the trade. Lowry brings a toughness to the PG position that I havent seen in a Houston uniform. He may not be the tallest, but he has no problem guarding anyone. Not only that, but he loves to push the ball. With him, and Aaron, the Rockets can now always have a PG on the floor that can start and finish fast break plays at any moment. Oh, and one more thing, Lowry can actually finish at the basket while drawing fouls.
Anyone who thinks this team isnt going to make the playoffs might want to rethink their reasons. Because, barring any other injuries, I guarantee the Rockets are not only going to make the playoffs, but they will be team to reckoned with that no one else will want to face.
Keywords: Houston Rockets
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