Is the current rockets team really a 'YAO' away from a true contender?

Might!? Are you serious? If Yao is healthy enough to play 30mpg in the playoffs, that's the favorite to win a championship.

 

we could really use a veteran big man, would love to see if we could add jermaine oneal for cheap, he could come off the bench for yao and play next to him when needed, not sure if he's ready to be a back up or plans on leaving miami but he would be great here imo. He's got the size and physicality we really need and has been relatively healthy as of late.

 

Opinions? Which lineup do y'all think would be better?

Brooks
Martin
Ariza
Bosh
Yao

or

Brooks
Martin
Gay
Scola
Yao

Bench would depend on what we give up for either one of those guys!

Ariza/

 

First, if we have learned anything about Yao, you can't count on him. That what was so crazy about "building" around TMac and Yao. Both players are injury prone, relatively passive, and inconsistent (especially TMac). The answer to the poll is "no." He may play, he may not, he may finish the season, he may not. Frankly, his next injury is likely to be career ending. The team lacks a pit bull; we have a bunch of nice guys, and I like them, but none of them are going to be the "assassin" in the fourth quarter. We need that and we need Bosh, another nice guy. Ironically, we need a "Landry-like" player who can rebound.

 

Injuries aside, I think we have the chemistry and talent to be a true contender. Come on guys, we took the Lakers to 7 games 9 months ago. This time we'd have Martin, a more experienced AB and Lowry, and let us not forget we have a tremendous coach in Rick Adelman. I think people are underestimating what Martin will mean to this team with Yao on the floor. He is going to be unbelievable. Our defense might be questionable, but man I can't stress enough how much it means to have Yao patrolling the middle. I think resigning Scola is a top priority as he already has that winning pedigree and contrary to what some believe, he is NOT old. His game doesn't demand a high level of athleticism.

We still have to worry about the up and coming teams in the Thunder and Blazers, obviously. Our window is WIDE open to make a deep run into the playoffs. No doubt management sees that. Lets see what happens in the off-season. Regardless, next year is going to be way more fun to be a fan. I'm already hyped for next November.

 

Depends on where you rate contender are.

Having yao on this team, we be on par with Dallas, Denver and Celts. Still a step behind Lakers and Lebron's Cavs if he stays.

Contenders as in Dark horse, then yes.

 

Yao away from being a contender? No

Yao and Chris Bosh away from being a contender? You bet

 

WE NEED A BIG NASTY POWER FORWARD! AMARE, BOSH...PLEASE!! Then along with yao we would be a true contender.

 

We need Yao and the Black Joe Johnson to both step up.

 

Yes sir!

 

Definitely not....we will need one more player..like Chris bosh..=p.

 

Today i have reviewed the first game of rocket vs LOS in the last post season games. In that time, rocket's defence is the best and the team's temp is very suitalbe to YAO. For that time, rockt only need a health YAO and a all-star player in the back. But now, rokcet first forgo Atest, then forgo landry, and maybe in the furture forgo Battie for some trade. And rocket get get Martin and some rights for draft. All of the trade is not suitalbe for YAO, but for Adelman's style.
Thing is very clearly, YAO has his own problem. If YAO can not be health, no team can play aroud him. But if rocket choose to trust YAO for another time, the trade should not like that, should not forgo rocket's defence, should not be scared for using money, not like now, especially if rocket can not trade Boss in the next season.
If rocket can not trade Boss or other all-star player in the next season, it is a signal for YAO's leaving as the rocket like that can not get champion.

 

what are you trying to say??? that Yao is goging to leave us if we cannot get him to play with another allstar to help him win the title

 

YAO has his problems, it is a fact no one can ignor it. But YAO is different with T-MAC, he is a really fighter and has a champion's heart. Because YAO make so great effort to play, sooner or later in the next season his status will be back, we have see many time for that, isn't it? And It is why i think rocket should trust YAO for another time.
But rocket's trade really not good, the trade forgo rocket's defence and it is not sure for get Bosh in the next season. Let's image in the next season, if rocket can not trade Bosh and forgo it's defence, how rocket can get champion?

 

I think we are a deadeye 3pt shooter away from being a contender. However if we want to challenge the lakers, I would add a strong PF as well.

 

Maybe we can sign Epic Beard Man to be our backup 4/5 and get Amber Lamps as the 3rd point guard.

 

I say rocket's trade is not good. If trust YAO, the trade should suitable to him, if not trust him, just rebuild. But now, the trade is made for Adleman. And if rocket can not get champion, it is no meaning for YAO to stay in rocket.