Well, it has been rising steadily over his career. He averaged 3.5 TO's a game last year, which is a lot for a guy who only handles the ball in the post. I suspect that the steady increase in TO's over his career is due to the increased defensive attention Yao is getting. I hope he reverses this trend and becomes even more efficient in the post (not that he isn't already).
Of course we did badly in the playoffs. But you can't argue that this season's playoff performance reflects the caliber of our team when you factor in the injuries to key players (4 starters and 1 key reserve). And even when we're at 50% we still won 2 games against the Jazz. And now you change your argument to "the rockets need more talent" as opposed to "the rockets are not contenders?" What team wouldn't want more talent? You think the Celtics wouldn't take Yao in a heartbeat? And even if we have the same talent level next season as we did this season, that doesn't mean we'll suck it up. Like I said, talent doesn't win games.
No change. No change (somehow that is a Seinfeld reference). The contender argument is the same as the talent argument, and both are "relative" to the competition. Look, I love the Rockets, I was hooked years ago. I can't change, after the last thirteen years, I wish I could. I have actually thought of following another team, but I can't. The Rockets organization under Les Alexander, has been like a sharp stick in the eye. The two high points in the last thirteen years was the 2005 team with Bob Sura (loved that guy) and "the streak." Yao and TMac's personalities and/or temperaments, inconsistencies, and health issues are difficult for all of us to deal with. The supporting cast has been so weak for so long, with a few exceptions. The Rockets have become a "tease," but, no, they are not a serious contender, or they would be "contending." I like Scola, I like Battier, I even like Rafer personality wise, BUT compared to the starters on the Western teams, these guys are first class bench players. Yes, the competition is that good. We can not continue to put the offense on two very fragile stars, the load is too heavy. In order to seriously contend, the Rockets need more talent. JVG said it, Morey said it, and just about every sports commentator in the world has said it. They just need to do it, but it won't be easy with so much money invested in Yao and TMac. I think one of them has to be packaged for a fresh infusion of talent. Not likely to happen, though.
