Rockets poised for a breakout season Two seasons ago, when the Charlotte Bobcats became the NBA's 30th franchise, the league expanded to six five-team divisions. Most clubs were sent to divisions that made sense, geographically and historically, but a few were open to consideration – most notably the Memphis Grizzlies. Located east of the Mississippi, the franchise in Memphis lobbied for a move to the NBA's new Southeast Division. But with a geographical imbalance among the league's teams – most of them reside in the eastern part of the country – some club was going to have to head west. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, it was them. Memphis was placed in the NBA's rugged Southwest Division, and it has had to deal with Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki ever since. Such is the plight of Mike Fratello's squad, which will enter the season without its star, Pau Gasol, who injured his foot during the world championships in Japan. He will miss at least the first couple of months, putting a severe hitch in the postseason hopes of Memphis, which had been to the playoffs three straight seasons. But with the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks gunning for rings and the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Hornets poised for breakout seasons, the Grizzlies find themselves at the bottom of a powerful division. Even a healthy Gasol for the second half of the season might not be enough to bring Memphis out of the Southwest basement. The view from the top is not a comfortable one for Dallas, however. The Mavericks finished second to San Antonio last season but knocked off the Spurs in an epic seven-game playoff series. Losing a 2-0 series lead in the Finals to Miami will be a difficult hangover to overcome, though. Nowitzki leads a deep, talented team, but a summer of playing for his German national team didn't offer him much rest. The Mavs will have to gather momentum and rely on their depth to make it through the long season. San Antonio, on the other hand, is eager to get started. The Spurs won a franchise-best 63 games a year ago but couldn't beat Dallas at home in Game 7 of the conference semifinals. For the first time in years, Tim Duncan got the summer off and appears rested and healthy. And with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili ready to go as well, San Antonio would appear to be as good as ever. Houston will be hot on the trails of the Spurs and Mavs, but the Rockets will only go as far as their health allows. If Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady can stay healthy all season – and that's a big if – then Houston will be very difficult to beat, particularly now that the Rockets have added some substance and toughness on the wing in Shane Battier. Jeff Van Gundy must figure out how to use Bonzi Wells, but there's no question Houston has the tools to be very good. Still, as good as the Rockets' additions might be, New Orleans made the biggest offseason splash in the division by spending top dollar to bring in Peja Stojakovic, Bobby Jackson and Tyson Chandler. And with rising star Chris Paul running the show, Hornets fans are talking playoffs. One division, two championship contenders and two franchises with big dreams ahead. So where does that leave Memphis? Wishing it were playing in the Southeast Division. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_y...F?slug=sk-southwest101906&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
DEAR GOD! Did Steve Kerr really write an article where he didn't sh*t all over the Rockets?!?! APOCALYPSE! APOCALYPSE!
Not a bad one from Kerr on Rockets. IMO he gives too much prop to New Orleans, though. Their offseason acquisitions are not as great as I would like to think.
As discussed in the NBA forum, I have doubts about the Hornets because of their mix of players and the coach. Other than that, I agree with most of the article. But... I'll be first on the record to say this: The Spurs could take a step down this year. Pop/TD/TP/Manu will lead them to a strong start and a very good record, no doubt. But by the end of the season, I think the Spurs will be lower on the NBA food-chain. Just a hunch.
I agree, i do not know why everybody is so high on NO. I mean Paul is a great player, but besides that, Stojakovic is not the player he once was. Chandler is a player who is so bad on offense that he make Ben wallace look like Iverson. I think they will not get to the play-offs. I think it won't even be close.
I can't wait for December. Anyone else getting tired of reading the same exact stuff about the Rockets. "Will take them as far as health will" Yeah we get it. We were injured. Guess its deserved, but still. It's nice seeing Kerr finally giving us some props. I'd love to see the entire Southwest division make the playoffs.
Well, people were trying to write off the Spurs last season, yet with an ailing Duncan they still won the division, and were an eyelash away from getting back to the WCF. If Duncan is healthy this year they could be dangerous again, but I do think their bench is getting long in the tooth and somewhat questionable. That said I do hope you're right though.
Im actually scared for my life right now. Kerr doesnt write like this. We should all embrace certain doom.
kerr rights something nice about that rockets? i'm as confused and worried as a kid who saw mommy kiss another girl.
My favorite Kerr moment of all time was, of course, the grunts, moans and gasps as T-Mac dropped that fourth quarter miracle a few seasons ago.
WTf i am Dead?? Have I died and gone to heaven and just read a Steve Kerr articly talking positive about the Rockets????? Thats it I'm buying a lottery ticket today... and am going to right up a formula to cure aids..
Define healthy for me please? Does that mean that TMac will be attacking the basket more often? Cuz if he keeps shooting from the outside, we're not going anywhere.
I agree. Western Conference has too many teams now that looks way better than NO. Rox, Spurs, Mavs, Clips, Phoenix, Nuggets, Warriors, Wolves and even Kings. Addition of Peja n Chandler makes them slightly better but not enough to make the playoffs since the conference is just loaded with way better teams than NO.
I still despise him for all the dumb stuff he's said in the past. This is his one decent article about the Rockets, so he can say he predicted it when it happens later this season. Also, most people don't realize besides the hardcore Rockets fans, but it's just obvious - the Rockets are one of the best teams on paper and they're goin far this season.
