2010-11 Houston Rockets = late 90 Portland Trailblazers

I see alot similarities between those teams and the Rockets, before the Jailblazer crew got into full swing. Being a team made by its sum of parts, while having good young players teaming up with former all-stars or good players who slowly past their prime, but none of whom are really superstars. Though a team that contains nearly 7-9 players who could start on other teams.


http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/POR/1997.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/POR/1998.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/POR/1999.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/POR/2000.html

Yao Ming (who is obviously in role the Aryvdas Sabonis or even a Pippen caliber player, maybe)

FA PF (Chris Bosh or whoever) - Rasheed Wallace role- the main go to player, but not really superstar or Luis Scola (Detlef Schrempf/Gary Trent role, kind of a clean up guy-rebounder (Gary Trent) who has good shooting skills and an array of moves - Detlef Scrempf without the 3 point range and athleticism, but bigger).

Trevor Ariza (Bonzi Wells role, better defense and worse offense, though)/ Battier (Pippen's role on defense/spot up guy, like Greg Anthony)

Kevin Martin (Steve Smith role, previously top scorer of former playoff team, not really known for defense)

Aaron Brooks (Damon Stoudemire role, though Brooks a much better outside shooter, scorer, and possibly passer. Most of all, much more efficient).

Bench (Rocket's bench has a personality of its own):

Chuck Hayes (possibly team's best defender and known for shutting down bigs and occasion guard smaller forwards)

Jared Jeffries (Who basically has taken over the Mutombo role briefly, though provides good defensive prowess, like Hayes)

Chase Budinger (Athletic, high scoring sf/sg, who is an above average 3 point shooter)

Jordan Hill (Brian Grant clone, good rebounder, above average defender, but Hill might have better offense)


Kyle Lowry (Very aggressive slasher who can draw fouls, struggles with jump shot, but is a good defender)

Jermaine Taylor (Athletic guard with potential)

FA C (Someone to back Yao Ming, like Mutombo did or a Dale Davis caliber person, if JJ is dealt or if the Rockets find another, better player for the spot).





Here's another reason, why our team, when at full strength, is better than Jazz, Thunder, and even Spurs. We have good depth and size, and can adjust to most teams style of play throughout the league, whether it is the Suns or Lakers. Yao by himself, in ways negate the size of Bynum and Gasol. I can honestly say that for the last two of three years, we've had a team that could beat the Lakers, handily in a series. But for some reason, Karma, God, or whoever just does not want us to win or beat them in a series and favored the NBA higher ups. If the Rockets could've had Mutombo/Yao in last year series (they win), and the season, before last, give the Rockets a healthy Yao.

The Rockets laugh at their size, when Yao is on the floor.