[12.19.05] Quarter-Season Report on the Houston Rockets

Grading Houston’s Hustlers: Quarter-Season Report Card for the Houston Rockets

By Dennis L. Silva, II.
12.18.05


It’s 23 games into the 2005-06 NBA campaign, and the Houston Rockets are sitting at 10-13 on the season. For a team many predicted to be the lone challengers to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference, the Rockets, to many, appear to be underachieving and unable to produce the magical season that many had in store for them. The fact is, however, that when you lose a superstar and perennial All-Star such as Tracy McGrady (who has missed 8 games this season due to back strain), your team will in fact struggle. Especially when you consider that the Rockets’ front office molded this team to fit McGrady’s vast array of skills. The Rockets are 0-8 in those games that McGrady has sat and not participated, meaning that the squad is 10-5 with him.

It is a credit to Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy that this team has stayed competitive during McGrady’s absence. Due to a confounding defense (ranked 3rd in the league in opponents’ field goal percentage; 2nd in opponents’ points per game), the Rockets’ worst loss without McGrady was by a margin of 12 points to the Phoenix Suns. Without McGrady, Houston lost by only four points to Miami; eight to Detroit; and five to Memphis. Considering that, aside from McGrady, the Rockets have no other players who can create offensively and claim a roster that basically consists of specialists, the Rockets have done an admirable job competing against top-tier ballclubs without even having the services of their top-tier player.

With McGrady having less problems with his back the past couple of weeks, Houston has won three straight games as of late, and four out of five overall. Also, the team is having natural shooting guards (David Wesley and rookie Luther Head) taking major minutes at the point guard position while their own true point guards Rafer Alston and Bob Sura are still weeks away from returning from injury. This is a team that will not be of full strength until mid-February, at the very earliest.

As long as Houston continues to play 100% and all-out on defense (they are the only NBA squad to have not allowed an opponent to shoot 50% or more in a game this year), they will stay close in games. Offensively, they still have a long way to go, but are starting to receive consistent contributions from players who were inconsistent to start the season. As it stands, it is still too early to judge Houston and their place among the NBA’s elite, but assuming all falls into place and this team comes together, the Rockets will be a scary team to face come playoff time.

Individual Player Analysis- The following is an individual grade report of the 2005-06 Houston Rockets. ​

Rafer Alston (7.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 3.9 rpg)- Alston has played in only eight games due to a stress fracture in his right leg. When healthy, he’s Houston’s only legit point guard, and does a fine job of running the team. Alston has quick hands and speed that makes him a pest defensively, and while his shooting hasn’t come around yet (32%), he was beginning to penetrate more and get to the basket before his injury. Aside from McGrady, Alston is the only other Rocket who can penetrate effectively and create for others once he gets inside the lane. Alston is likely 2-3 weeks in returning from injury. Grade: B-

Derek Anderson (10.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.7 apg)- Anderson started the season slowly but has started to regain his past form the last two weeks. When aggressive, Anderson is more than capable of being that third scorer the Rockets so desperately need. Although his days as a slasher are long gone, he has an effective midrange jumper, and does a good job of passing and playing the passing lanes on defense. Grade: C+

Jon Barry (5.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 37% 3PT)- Barry has missed a few weeks due to a left knee injury and a right calf strain, so his effectiveness has been limited. However, when he has been healthy, he has shot the ball inconsistently and seems even more of a liability defensively. Once he comes back to full health, it’s likely he’ll see 10-15 minutes as a shooting specialist. Grade: C-

Ryan Bowen (2.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 14 starts)- Bowen has provided the Rockets with great hustle and energy ever since he was placed in the Rockets’ starting lineup. As the Rockets’ defensive specialist, Bowen guards the opponents’ best perimeter player most nights, and does a great job of securing extra possessions with his knack for offensive rebounding. If he could ever develop a consistent midrange jump shot, he’d stay on the court much longer than 13 minutes per game. That jump shot has cost the Rockets many offensive possessions, but the fact remains that he’s a Van Gundy favorite. Grade: C+

Luther Head (9.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 43% 3PT)- Head has been nothing short of spectacular in his rookie campaign. Already, Head has produced memorable fourth quarters, and shown an ability to score in crunch time. He’s been Houston’s most consistent shooter from downtown, and also has the ability to break down defenses. He’s had to play significant minutes early due to the Rockets’ plethora of injuries, and he’s played remarkably well in all, despite a recent shooting slump. Grade: A-

Juwan Howard (7.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 42% FG)- Howard has had his ups and downs this season but he’s been solid as rock in Van Gundy’s lineup. When on, his midrange jumper is lethal and spreads defenses away from McGrady and Yao. Howard also does a nice job attacking the offensive glass. His most valuable asset, however, may be his passing. It’s a luxury to have a 6’9” power forward who can stay at the top of the key and pass to Yao posting up, or slashers who are cutting. Grade: C+

Tracy McGrady (24.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 10-5 when in lineup)- McGrady has been brilliant when healthy this season, and is putting up MVP-calibre numbers. The Rockets are a completely different team without him, and he gives them a clutch go-to scorer in the fourth quarter. He also opens things up for Yao Ming inside, and he also has shown a willingness and aggressiveness on defense. Sunday night against the Lakers, McGrady scored the game-winner on a left-handed runner that secured Houston's franchise-best fifth road victory in six games. Unfortunately, his injury to his back appears to be a structural problem that is of the narrowing of the spine, and there’s a good chance it may reoccur at various points during the season. Grade: A-

Dikembe Mutombo (3.5 rpg, 81% FT, 0.86 blocks/game)- Mutombo has played well in his backup role to Yao, but appears to be showing a sharp decline in his effectiveness. His slow, lumbering “speed” is exposed nightly as teams go to a smaller lineup game in and game out. But when playing against a big of height and strength, Mutombo has proved he still has the ability to clog the lane and block shots. He blocked a season-high three shots in limited minutes Saturday against the Blazers; and on Sunday night against the Lakers, Mutombo snared nine rebounds and blocked another three shots in his first start this season. Grade: B-

Moochie Norris (2.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.4 apg)- As the third string point guard, Norris has played well in stretches whenever called upon. He has provided stability and smart play at the point, and has a knack for getting into the lane and making things happen. Van Gundy has seemed comfortable going with him for long stints during games. However, once Alston and Bob Sura return from injury, expect Norris to regain his seat back at the end of the bench. Grade: C+

Stromile Swift (8.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.91 blocks/game)- Swift started the season confused and lost, unable to grasp Van Gundy’s intricate schemes. However, he’s been showing progress as of late, and has done a great job providing energy and athleticism in the frontcourt. Not only will Swift challenge shots and play hard, but he attacks the basket hard, and shoots 50% from the floor. However, as of late, Swift has been the subject of a plethora of trade rumors so it's possible his days as Rocket are numbered. Grade: C-

David Wesley (8.8 ppg, 3.3 apg, 43% 3PT)- Due to the absence of McGrady and Alston for long stretches, Wesley has had to play out of position at point guard. However, he’s done an admirable job. While not quick or fast enough, Wesley still manages to run the offense, hit open shots, and commit few mistakes (1.8 turnovers/game in 32 minutes per). Unfortunately, due to an expiring contract and the Rockets’ need for youth, his name has been bantered about in trade talks, and its very likely Wesley will not be representing the Rockets come early March. Grade: B

Yao Ming (19.9 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 50% FG)- Yao’s game continues to show progress, as he has been more aggressive in attacking the basket, and more assertive overall offensively. He still needs to control his penchant for fouls (4.1 per game), but he’s playing approximately four more minutes per game than last season, meaning he has improved his conditioning and his ability to stay on the floor late in games. No one has benefited from McGrady’s return more than him. Unfortunately for the Rockets, Yao aggravated a toe injury on the previous road trip, and will be out anywhere from ten days to 2 weeks. Grade: A-

 

Appreciate all the positive feedback

If his jump shot actually existed, he'd be much higher...I think the "c+" rating is an indication of how good his defense is...

Yes, I wrote this...