YES! IF Mobley will let himself be rested long enough to heal his feet and ankles -- Posey is now here to let that happen -- and IF Steve will quit running smack into walls of big men and "stop 'n pop" (Calvin's continuing advice), we will win it all. Of course, Rockets, you have to make the playoffs first!
I really believe it is possible but not likely. We should have a lot better feel for what the team is capable of after the all star break. That is when I think we will really start to see them gell. Also by the all star break we should start to see Yao Ming start to get his second wind. The fact is that with Yao Ming in our line-up no one is going to want to play us in a 5 or 7 game series. He creates mis-matches that no team outside of the Lakers has an answer for.
With a slow down type of game in the playoff, the team with an inside player get the advantage. That's why I think team like Dallas will have a tough time winning it all. If Yao is developing into a consistent 20 plus ppg and 10+ rebounds, he can take the Rockets deep into the playoff. If they ran their offense well along with good outside shooting then the chance is there for Houston. Remember how Moses and Hakeem carried the team on their shoulder without the benefit of a consistent good guard play. So if all click then anything is posssible.
56 wins is no guarantee. I think the question was if we'd win it all, not just contenders. But, I'd be happy as contenders....for now (this year).
If the Rockets stay healthy, Steve will get them to the playoffs, the X-factor is Yao. Can he dominate in the playoffs? Inexperience and youth are the Rockets biggest detractors, but how much better will this group be playing together, as a team. by the end of the season? Most teams require years together to become title contenders..but the Rockets are the first to have something like Yao Ming.
i can tell you this... i just got back from Reno and one casino had the Rockets listed as a 75/1 favorite to win it all. I felt insulted, but at the same time I wanted to take advantage of their ignorance... the sportsbook was closed for the day and it didn't re-open before we left. hopefully when i return in two weeks, those odds will stay the same!!!
dream_team You are saying that they betted that the Rockets would win? I have been to Reno. It was an okay place but Lake Tahoe is beautiful.
