'07 Houston Rockets Preview

2007 Houston Rockets NBA Season Preview

The Houston Rockets have disappointed fans the last few years, falling short more than once in their attempts to get past the first round of the playoffs. However, fans shouldn't be so hard on them, because the fact of the matter is Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady haven't had enough help. For example, against the Utah Jazz in the 2007 NBA Playoffs, the Rockets were simply out-gunned. Moreover, Houston still hasn't addressed its biggest issues. First, they desperately need a point guard who can run the offense. Instead, they build a log jam of point guards who do the exact same things on the basketball court, preferring to shoot themselves rather than defer to one of the team's stars. Second, the Rockets badly need a reliable, inside bruiser to protect Yao in the paint. Though they did land a couple of physical power forwards in Jackie Butler and Luis Scola and may be successful in re-signing Dikembe Mutombo, Butler and Scola have never proven anything in the NBA and can't be counted on as the answers to the problem. Third, the Rockets need more perimeter spot shooters. With Yao posting and McGrady slashing, they relied too heavily on Shane Battier and Luther Head to hit consistently from the outside.

Still, the Rockets should be solid again with Yao continually improving and McGrady healthy at the start of the season.

Statistics Projections/Depth Chart

• Center: Yao Ming 24.2 ppg, 9.9 rbpg, 2.0 bspg (back up: Dikembe Mutombo)
• Power Forward: Jackie Butler 8.2 ppg, 5.1 rbpg (back up: Luis Scola)
• Small Forward: Shane Battier 9.5 ppg, 4.6 rbpg (back up: Bonzi Wells)
• Point Guard: Rafer Alston 11.5 ppg, 4.8 apg (back up: Steve Francis)
• Shooting Guard: Tracy McGrady 24.1 ppg, 5.5 rbpg, 5.8 apg (back up: Luther Head)

Key Losses

Juwan Howard wasn't the answer at power forward. He was much too soft for the team's needs. However, he was a proven veteran and a step up from what they have now. Trading him for Mike James was quite odd.

Key Additions

It's unclear how point guards Mike James and Steve Francis will fit with this team. Both are virtually the exact same kind of point guard, and another similar point is already on the roster in Rafer Alston. In addition, the Rockets drafted Aaron Brooks with its first pick, who's also a shoot-first point guard. It's getting awfully crowded at the one spot in Houston. The additions of Jackie Butler and Luis Scola could prove beneficial, but neither are ready to fill the starting position at power forward. This team might be taking a step backward, unless they can stay healthier than they were last season.

Team Rumors

There's been little word about the Rockets' plans before the start of the season. They're expected to re-sign Mutombo. Otherwise, it would make sense that they've got more moves up their sleeves. With a need for a veteran power forward and an over abundance of shoot-first point guards, it seems there is more to do with this lineup.

Team Predictions

This Houston Rockets' lineup isn't any better than a season ago. If Bonzi Wells can stay healthy and finally produce, they might milk a few more wins out. However, as it sits right now, expect them to win fewer games than last season. A 49-33 record seems about right. They will slip into the sixth seed of the playoffs where they'll face off against the defending champion San Antonio Spurs. Needless to say, they won't do well against the more disciplined, deeper Spurs team. Houston loses in the first round yet again, this time in five games.

Fantasy Spin

Many experts peg Yao Ming as the savior of your fantasy basketball team. His scoring average and field goal and free throw percentage are outstanding, after all. Keep in mind that not only does he shoot a high percentage from the field and foul line, but he also shoots a high volume of both which makes those statistics that much more of a factor. However, his turnovers are atrocious for a center and he gets injured way too often to be considered a top ten pick (which is where many experts suggest he should go in fantasy drafts). He's a great center to have, but buyer beware.

Tracy McGrady hasn't fully recovered from the injury he sustained a couple seasons ago. When he's healthy, T-Mac is a great addition to fantasy teams. However, don't expect him to be the same T-Mac he was a couple seasons ago.

The Rockets point guards aren't worth a second glance in your fantasy draft. They'll be in high competition as Rick Adelmain decides who gets minutes and who sits.

On the other hand, Shane Battier is worth consideration between picks 60-100.

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