Well, CNNSI says that the Rockets will be adversely affected by the new zone rules, in relation to the rest of the league, because Matt Bullard is gone. You don't say? Here's the link. About the only thing this article got right is I don't see much evidence so far how the new zone rules have made a big impact. The only thing is see is the new offensive/defensive 3 second rules...which seems a lot like illegal defense. -krosfyah
Judging from the Rocket games so far this preseason, it appears that teams get sorta freaked out by the defensive three second call. Once they get that call, the zone seems to fade back into a man-to-man type defense. It will probably be about a quarter of the way through the season before any team will be able to tell if they benefit or suffer from the new zone rules.
The zone will not hurt the Rocks. If anything, it will probably help them in the longterm because they will not be as dependent on the isolation play. Teams with strong guardplay...particularly guards that can drive and dish... destroy zones. That's why good guard play is a key in the NCAA's. And the Rocket's have two of the best guards off the dribble in Francis and Mobley. If anything, it just means there will be a transition period.
