the biggest story to watch this season by Jason Friedman.. Jason Friedman, Rockets.com: When the topic is Rockets’ basketball, all roads eventually lead back to Tracy McGrady. He’s not just an X-factor, he is THE X-factor. Right now, there is no definite timetable for his return, though I’d put money on him coming back sooner rather than later. And though it’s a fool’s errand to attempt to predict the caliber of play he’ll display upon returning to action, all reports of his progress have been positively glowing thus far. There’s little doubt that a healthy and motivated T-Mac could potentially transform the Rockets from scrappy overachievers to Western Conference force – think ’07-’08 Rockets once Yao went down, only better – but is that the McGrady the Rockets are going to get? Houston fans can’t wait to find out. I for one think all of these trade assumptions are ridiculous. You really think other than the very few superstars that are untouchable, who in return can duplicate the numbers and playmaking ability that a potential healthy mcgrady can? I am saying just wait till he gets on the court ppl. I think right now he deserves that much..
also more questions aswell about this season What is the biggest reason to be optimistic about your team’s chances this season? Jason Friedman, Rockets.com: All one has to do is think back to the Western Conference semi-finals when the Rockets managed to break even over the course of the final four games against the mighty Los Angeles Lakers despite the absence of Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. Granted, there’s a big difference between playing without two superstars for four games as opposed to 82, but it speaks to the fact that the players on this club will never be outworked and that the coaching staff is second to none when it comes to maximizing the talent at their disposal. Then consider that the Rockets boast one of the game’s best GMs in Daryl Morey – who has plenty of pieces with which to play – and it should be clear that those who choose to discount the Rockets this season do so at their own peril What is the biggest concern for your team entering the season? Jason Friedman, Rockets.com: For many Rockets’ observers I’m sure the answer would be offense, given the fact Houston will be missing the nightly 20 and 10 its accustomed to receiving from Yao Ming. However, the All-Star center’s presence might be missed even more at the defensive end. Yao has been one of the game’s best rim defenders over the years and the Rockets’ lack of size in his stead will surely prompt opponents to feel far more courageous when making their forays to the hoop. The Rockets have traditionally been one of the NBA’s best defensive teams but without Yao patrolling the paint they’re going to face a stiff challenge in their attempt to remain among the league’s elite in that category this year. In your opinion, who is most likely to be the division’s 2009-10 “breakthrough” player from another team? Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com: Houston’s Aaron Brooks showed during the 2009 playoffs that he has the talent to become an excellent starting point guard. With the Rockets’ roster depleted by injuries and departures, Brooks will have a golden opportunity to take another big step in his development. I for one think all of these trade assumptions are ridiculous. You really think other than the very few superstars that are untouchable, who in return can duplicate the numbers and playmaking ability that a potential healthy mcgrady can? I am saying just wait till he gets on the court ppl. I think right now he deserves that much..[/QUOTE]
I think the biggest question is.. Will Chuck get this gum out of his hair? LOL http://twitpic.com/n0tz3 kyle tweeted that picture a few minutes ago.
If T-Mac can help take those two teams where Yao missed most of the season to the playoffs, I believe he can take this team, which is loaded with more talent than those two teams combined, just as far, if not further. Of course, this is if he can come back. And by all reports, sounds like he will.
Looks like Jason F has the same defensive paint concerns I've been expressing on here for the past few months.
sarcasm dude, sarcasm Plus this article was posted quite some time ago wasn't it? I can't check because the op didn't post the link!
I don't know, he's certainly not higher than 13th. Paul D.Williams Rondo Billups Nash Parker Harris Calderon Kidd J.Nelson M.Williams Rose Those 12 are all clearly better than Brooks. Then you've got guys like Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Russell Westbrook, etc.
I didn't see a link in the original post: http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/writers_roundtable_pundits_p_2009_10_23.html
I don't really like all this labeling because there is so much talent at the position in the league. While I agree all those players are better, its all relative. Brooks is very good and can get better. He is certainly better than Rafer. If every team but one, had Michael Jordan as its starting SG and one team had Clyde Drexler, Drexler would be a "below average" NBA SG. But just because Drexler was "below average" in the that scenario, he is still one of the GOAT. This same thing happened in the other thread where Brooks was labeled as second rate. Brooks in my opinion is good enough.
Fritz is wrong. The biggest story to watch out for is whether Morey has the balls to trade McGrady. Especially, if he's not getting back, what's not perceived by the media, to be better.
