We are at least the 3rd best team in the west. We can beat out the Thunder I think, so that would make us the 2nd best team in the west.
To put all your faith in Yao being healthy is the kind of crap that keeps the Rockets from seeing success on a consistent basis. We got a make decsions that = Championship. Right now we are not even making decisions that equal Western Conference Finals.
We were 2nd round without Yao to propel us to WCF last year. What makes you think we WOULDN'T be WCF WITH Yao and WITH a much improved team?
Took the words right out of my mouth. The Rockets will never get respect from the media. While it may be bitter at first, I would have it no other way in the end.
I would switch us with the Blazers, because we're definitely better than them and the Spurs. Remember, with Yao, we beat Portland in that first round series. And with the addition of Kmart, we'll be even better. Not satisfied with 11... I'm sure it'll change as the season goes on.
I would have put Houston around 6th. But I guess I can understand why they put the Rockets 11th. I agree, Yao would rank right behind LBJ and Wade in terms of importance, but the fact that he is coming off a big injury, and his minutes will be cut down......understandable.
Tiago Splitter...Blair....Hill...Should all be great young players for them. Splitter has all-star potential.
Some thoughts: 1. The Dallas ranking was premature, but makes sense when you consider that their frontcourt rotation is soon to look like this: C - Haywood C - Chandler PF - Nowitzki PF - Harrington That's a frontcourt that can grapple with LA. Their back / mid court is still questionable, but that's a great paint presence, plus Dirk can still stretch the D. I hate Dallas as much as anyone, but it's hard to argue with the improvements they've recently made. 2. The Thunder are a year older, and I seriously expect them to contend with the Rockets and Blazers for spots 2-4. Ibaka is a great, underrated piece, and KD35 is KD35. Plus, they added Aldrich, who should help them in the front court rebounding dept, where they're a little weak. 3. The Nuggets haven't changed. If we get another big man to back up Yao that is respectable, then we leap frog over them. But as of now, it's certainly a toss up. 4. As Schumann wrote, the Blazers have a great frontcourt presence: Camby and Oden for D, Aldridge for O. Not enough to contend, but close. 5. The Bulls ranking is pretty questionable, but Thibodeau could make Boozer a better defender. The Bulls problem is length in the frontcourt, but we have yet to see how they'll hold up. 6. San Antonio, I think, will finish 6th or 7th next year in the west. Timmy is gonna keep getting those injuries chipping away at him, plus Parker or Ginobili could get hurt too. Like I said, I seriously think the Rockets, as of now, are in the 2-4 mix just by adding Yao and keeping their restricted free agents. I'd probably write the rankings as such. 1 - LAL 2 - MIA 3 - ORL 4 - DAL 5 - BOS 6 - OKC 7 - HOU 8 - CHI 9 - POR 10 - DEN
does anyone get the feeling after all these carmelo trade rumors, that the nuggets are going to have a rough season?
Then again Rose will probably be better since it's his 3rd year as a pro. Last summer, people here were proclaiming that Brooks would be amazing because it was his 3rd year and apparently that's when young players 'get it'. They were right, Brooks did ball out of control. Rose will probably make the same strides since he will have the ball more often now that Hinrich is gone. Boozer will make it easier for him to drive and dish. Korver will give him a drive and kick option. I can see Chicago becoming tons better. Yao, to me, is a huge uncertainty. He is chronically injured. Don't think that he's ever going to get back to where he was pre-injury. Even if he is better, he'll only be able to play 28 mpg for the first few months! He won't even be at full strength. Our players are going to have to readjust their games to him. So many variables and not enough upside.
