72 games or less...do the Rockets make the playoffs?

Considering that our teams seem to gel and perform better later in the season, I think no. Of course, I'm pessimistic and don't see a 72 game season happening.

 

That shouldn't even be the question. The question should be will the Rockets win a Championship in 2012 and the answer is almost certainly no. OK, so if they aren't winning a Championship, what gets them closer to that eventual goal, barely sneaking in (and losing our lottery protected pick) or drafting higher in the draft?

Since this is considered a deep draft, I believe the Rockets would be smart to trade our vets, play the youngsters, and start counting ping pong balls. I think this makes a lot more sense than getting killed in the first round and losing our first round pick, but only Les and Morey will make that call.

 

Very good chance rockets get the 9th and 17th pick, then lose the 17th. Rockets getting the 9th pick from NY is good but not a game changer.

 

or less? don't depress me.

 

As the season gets shorter, it will be much harder for the Rockets to make the playoffs.

Remember they have a new coaching staff. Yes, they are supposed to maintain the same offensive system but that can be difficult without the people who designed it. Also, this is very young team. Yes they all seem to have good character, but getting used to that new system and each other can take time.

You don't have that time or extra games to make up for losses during the early season growing pains as the season gets shorter. With so many good and competitive teams in the West, it just seems hard to expect this team to make the playoffs.

That even ignoring any possible rust or lack of training by any of the players during the extended lockout.

 

With the proposed... It seems like there will be slightly more games/per night compared to last season's 82 game season. You have to figure that would benefit the Rockets, being a young team for the most part. San Antonio, LA, and even Dallas I think would be impacted with all the players they have over 30.

 

with the roster we have: absolutely not. I am rooting for a high lottery pick though, I hear next year is a basket full of goodies.

 

Even without a competent C, (Chuckwagon included), I think there's enough talent and depth on the team to where they will not be a terrible team. Maybe 10 games under .500 and I have a hard time seeing that. Minnesota should be improved, but there are some very bad teams out there with very bad management. I think guys like Lowry and Scola have way too much pride to even be part of such a thing. Even though personally I think that's the way to go.

 

Dude, have you seen the draft next year? I hope we suck to get a high pick

 

With 72 games yes, to the 2nd round maybe.
With 50????

 

No 72 games! Stern cancel Christmas all together!

 

How far up the draft do you think we can get for the 9th and 17th? 5th? I could see a Paul-less Hornets looking to add in young talent to replace the departed.

I'm not much of a college guy but I hear the draft is at least 10 deep.

 

If I remember correctly half the roster (exaggeration) of the Denver Nuggets are signed overseas with no options to opt out if the NBA starts so you can count them out.

 

From what I've read, it turns out that the age limit would increase to 20 yrs old under the new proposal. Which would remove all the freshmen born in 1993 and over (namely Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Quincy Miller, Marquis Teague, James McAdoo, Bradly Beal) from the 2012 NBA Draft, thus really watering down the projected deep draft. - All the guys listed are lottery talent.

 

Aren't the Mavericks losing Chandler?

 

If we pick up from where left of last year with no alteration to the lineup, we can make it.

Lowry/Dragic
Martin/Lee
Bud/????
Pat/Hayes
Scola/????

This unit works the best from what we have on our roster, no questions. With this lineup I cant see why we cant enter top 8. As the season goes on we can start involving Morris to play some 3 and 4 I guess.

Dallas
Lakers
OKC
Spurs
Memphis
Portland
Denver
-----------
Houston
Clippers
Minny

Clippers and Minnesota will beat the likes of Phoenix, Utah and Warriors to compete for 8th spot.

 

Wow everyone here is so optimistic. Good to see.

Not so much for me... I think it's not a matter of if we can make it to the playoffs, but a matter of how far we can tank (without looking like it).

 

Too early to tell.
One trade could change everything.

We don't know who McHale will play.
If guys like Thabeet, T-Will & Hill/D-Mo get consistent playing time, I highly doubt we'll make the playoffs.

To me DAL, SA, LAL, MEM, OKC & POR are locks.

The last two spots are pretty much up for grabs.
New Orleans would probably be the favorites if they bring back David West.

The Rockets could be right there too. Lots of variables though.

 

There are only two teams on that list that scare me as far as the Rockets are concerned( Dal, OKC ). The others, i think, the Rockets could beat. Definitely Mem.
This is not optimism, homerism or whatever ism you want to throw out there. I am just going off of how well the Rockets have been playing these teams(win or lose) over the past 2-3 seasons.