Rockets are starting to get noticed. Here's the link. http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10636950 Updated Feb. 12 Thought we'd assign a little accountability in this week's Power Rankings, considering the All-Star break offers a little room for pause and promotes time for reflection. In looking at three specific rankings -- preseason, the ones that went out Jan. 1 and the current set -- here are a few notes that stand out: Houston has come full circle to reclaim its identity as a championship contender. Getting drilled during their first run through their elite peers clearly damaged the Rockets' collective psyche, which led to Yao Ming ultimately calling out his teammates for being soft. Somewhere along the way, they developed thicker skin and are now reaping the rewards. New Jersey has imploded, forfeiting its opportunity to emerge as a title contender because it never got a suitable replacement for Nenad Krstic. Jason Kidd was right about the Nets when he said they lacked fire back in December, and it looks like his desire to leave has left the rest of the squad shell-shocked and waiting for a fresh start. It's too early to say Dallas was overrated because it has dealt with its fair share of injuries. And last year the Mavericks found out first-hand that the regular season only serves to get you into the big lottery and doesn't guarantee the jackpot. Still, if things continue like they are, the Mavs will put themselves in danger of forfeiting their ticket. Phoenix's acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal was a move made solely for the playoffs. As far as the regular season goes, the Suns did overcome lingering chemistry issues and those constant trade rumors to live up to expectations. San Antonio, Detroit and Boston have also held up their end of the bargain despite the nasty surprises the regular season always throws at you. New Orleans, Utah, the L.A. Lakers and Portland have flourished. Chicago and Miami have joined New Jersey as the league's biggest disappointments. If you've wondered why the talent level between the West and East has seemed so far apart, those previous two statements provide your answer.
I just think the players took a while integrating the system that Rick wants them to run. Oh and the injuries have stopped a bit (knock on wood) and the All star break is coming up so thats good rest for the whole team except scola and Yao
The emergence of the Rockets coincides with the benching of Mike James and the coming out party of Landry, Brooks and Scola. Also I think T-Mac is now buying into the system.
If AB can get rid of his hesistations in his shots and quit being scare, we'll have a much better team. I hope he'll start nailing his threes.
