has anyone seen this? just curious ill post it anyways. Power rankings: Rockets rebuilding coming along -- slowly By Mike Kahn SportsLine.com Executive Editor In the 31st season of his never-ending career with the Houston Rockets organization, you would think coach Rudy Tomjanovich would learn some patience. Especially since he was the team's top draft choice in 1970, had to survive a season in San Diego where the team was loathed, and suffered a horrific injury that nearly ended his career, thanks to the storied punch in the face from Kermit Washington. Not to mention, Tomjanovich navigated teams from the middle of the pack to consecutive NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. The Rockets need one more good season out of aging Hakeem Olajuwon.(AP) "I know it's going to take some time to rebuild," Tomjanovich said. "But it's hard for me to be patient with the whole process because everybody wants to win now. The good thing is the players do, too, and that helps us be competitive just about every night." Actually, it's better than that. While everybody in Texas has been buzzing about the San Antonio Spurs being legitimate title contenders again and the Dallas Mavericks competing better than they have in more than a decade, Rudy and the Rockets have very quietly edged themselves back into playoff contention after a one-year absence. They are led by the spectacular play of second-year point guard Steve Francis and his running mate Cuttino Mobley. Also on Houston's wish list is the hope that free-agent signee Maurice Taylor can stay healthy to become a force at power forward, and Shandon Anderson can somehow find happiness as the swing man. Injuries have taken out their two young big guys -- Kelvin Cato and Jason Collier. "It's tough because we have a young team that's still trying to find it's chemistry and deal with the injuries while competing in this unbelievably competitive conference," Tomjanovich said. "But dealing with it and growing from it is what makes you a better team anyway. "Watching Steve (Francis) grow is pretty much all about the way this team has to learn," Tomjanovich said. "But with our big guys out, there are still some other things we have to deal with." Not the least of which is dealing with fading superstar center Hakeem Olajuwon, who will be 38 next month. Coming off the least productive season of his career -- Olajuwon averaged just 10.3 points and 6.2 rebounds -- he has dipped even more this season -- his last with the Rockets -- at 10 points and 6 boards compared to his career marks of 23.1 points and 11.6 rebounds. Still, the 17 points, five rebounds and five blocks he had against Patrick Ewing in Seattle on Saturday say he's not quite ready to be put out to pasture, as some say. Even if it's not with the Rockets. It's a tough deal for Tomjanovich, considering how close he and Olajuwon are and what they've been through in their 17 seasons together. "Hakeem understands, but the transition isn't easy," Tomjanovich said. "He's done an awful lot for Houston, me and the rest of the NBA. I want to treat him with the respect and honor he deserves." Added Olajuwon, a six-time All-NBA first-team center and 1994 MVP, "As long as I can still help a team win, I want to play." For now, on the final season of his contract, that will be with the Rockets. As Cato and Collier work their way back into the lineup, his minutes will drop. It will be a difficult time for both Tomjanovich and Olajuwon, but this is the Rockets form of the new deal. They finally got approval for a new arena, so they aren't leaving Houston. Now Tomjanovich, 52, is at the hub of moving this club into yet another generational change. The gold medal from coaching the Olympic team in his hip pocket from this summer and revitalized after what could have been another draining time, he enters this week two games shy of his 400th career coaching victory (398-276, .591). "No matter what anybody tells you, it's all about winning," Tomjanovich said. "I've been very fortunate what we've been able to accomplish with the Rockets. There's no reason to stop now." 14. Houston Rockets (14): The Rockets are very quietly becoming a tough nut to crack on any given night. Dream is back playing solid if not spectacular ball, plus the speedy kids led by Stevie "Wonder" make them capable of going off on anybody. ------------------ --TEX
sure no prob. not alot of new info but a few nice quotes. at least som1 is acknowledging we r a possible playoff team. ------------------ --TEX
