ROCKETS IN FLIGHT?
September 1, 2009 by R.C. Cola
Watch out, the Houston Rockets may surprise some next season.
There may not have been a less graceful way for the Rockets to end last season. After a tough battle in the Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers, bad news piled on top of worse news. With once-superstar Tracy McGrady already out with microfracture surgery - which he never consulted his team about - centerpiece player Yao Ming suffered what was then considered a career-ending injury at the beginning of the Lakers series. But with news of both MacGrady and Yao showing marked improvement, along with a handful of active, young players, things are looking up for Houston.
Everything hinges on Yao. Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey told ESPN that he didn’t believe the injury was a career-ending one, and that Yao was progressing well.
Yao has surgery in July, and could return some time in the next season, according to ESPN. That would be huge for a team that’s had little to look forward to in the last few months.
The team, however, has taken steps to improve itself. It got rid of Ron Artest, who imploded during the Lakers series and Kobe Bryant got under his skin. In exchange, it got speedy and defensive-minded Trevor Ariza. Many in L.A. bemoaned his departure, and for good reason. On multiple occasion, he turned the tide with a key steal or by supplying a little added pressure. Add to it his stepped up three-point shooting ability, and you have one deadly swingman who is only getting better.
Complementing him is an even speedier player in Aaron Brooks, who gave the Lakers guards fits with his fearless ability to slash. He averaged 18 points and and set a career high with 34 points in Game 4. Not bad for a second-year point guard who was given the reins after the Rockets traded away stormy Rafer Alston.
That’s suit Coach Rick Adelman well as he looks to employ his run-and-gun style - which may work even better without Yao or MacGrady. Houston Chronicle columnist Richard Justice says says the front office should be applauded for how it has assembled a young, exciting team. Still, Justice is realistic. He doesn’t think the Rockets are close to a title, and even the playoffs may be tough.
Still, given Adelman’s style and personnel changes, the team could be in for some exciting times. Could they be the next Portland Trailblazers from two seasons past? Either way, it should make for an exciting time in Houston.
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