Hey genius, why don't we try some analysis for you. In 2006-07, the Rockets were 20-12 or 62.5% without Yao. With him: 32-18 or 64%. In games with only Yao and no McGrady, the Rockets were 2-5. In games with neither, 0-4. This season, the Rockets are 8-7 without McGrady and 29-13 with him. Now using that analytical brain of yours, tell me, who's loss hinders the team more? The data clearly supports McGrady as having high importance to the Rockets' success while Yao's effect is negligible. And it should be added that most of the data reflects last season. Why is that important? Because the current team has Luis Scola(11.8 RB/48M) and Carl Landry(15.4), who are better rebounders and defenders than last year's equivalent, Juwan Howard(10.7). That would indicate that all else equal, the Rockets should actually outperform last year's mark of 62.5% without Yao. Are your eyes rolling yet? It's okay, you can take your finger out of your nose now. The numbers don't lie. Only biased fans do. When the Rockets roll into the playoffs, a lot of fans and media will be eating crow and wondering what happened.
lol lets not get crazy. to get into the playoffs i agree we don't NEED yao, but to get passed the first round we definitely do. i truly believe we will still make the playoffs. mutumbo is rested, fired up, and ready to defend that paint at all costs. we have two solid PFs, good outside shooting, and T-mac. maybe we will draw a team we can match up with and have a chance at an upset. i believe
I knew this kind of threads would pop up. I think the team can still play well down the stretch. but u can say this about probably anyone on the team. so how about "maybe we don't need anybody".
It's better to have more talents in Rox team because anyone will have on and off night. Of all 5 positions, we do need a big guy like Yao when we need matchup problem at 5. We can win games without yao, but other teams can beat us too when they match us well.
Obviously we are more likely to win it all with Yao. But lets not be in denial about how strong this current team is. I still doubt whether any of the teams want to face the Rockets in the playoffs. Deke is more then serviceable on defense. In fact, I think the defense might be slightly improved then when Yao is in there. Of course, we will miss Yaos constant production on offense, but if we continue to play hard D, and we shoot the lights out anything can happen. I think right now, we're very similar to the Bulls of last year when they lacked any sort of interior offense. But they knocked out the defending champs in so there is no telling what can happen. IF YOU WANT TO JUMP OFF THE WAGON, go right on ahead. Just admit that our season is over, and when we start whooping some a$$ in the playoffs, i don't want to see any of you on this board claiming " I told you so, I believed all along..."
I think this team could definitely make some noise in the playoffs and set the stage for a championship run in the coming years. As for a run this year, that's going to be a long shot.
