Not many teams in the NBA can say that. This present Houston Rockets even with it shortcomings have what it takes to go on a role, make the playoffs and also make some noise. Let us take a look at what we have shall we: STARTERS Guards The Houston Rockets have one of the most dynamic guard combos in the association. 2 time All Star Stevie Franchise and Rhode Island University standout Cutino Mobley on paper and often times on the court have what it takes to win the back court battle against any team in the league. On a good night they can be unstopable as we saw in the Rockets 1st and 2nd encouters against the LA especially in the later where they combined for 73 points. If they can harness their amazing physical talent and find a way to make the team better with their ability to penetrate and dish, this team will definitely form a habit of winning in streaks and more importantly staying in games competitively. For this season at least, the Rockets can only go as far as her guards can take them no matter how scary that thought is. When compared to other guard combos in the West, 'Wink' and Cat is #2 in my books behind only Nash/Finley combo. Go figure! Forwards With the the trade of the workhorse Kenny Thomas, The Rockets somehow found a way to get better and meet her needs of a versatile 3 in James Posey. James Posey gives this team width and speed especially on the fast break. He is also a hard nose defender. Though our PF position is indeed our weekest link, Eddie has managed to have descent games this season. Without a doubt he has battled bouts of inconsistency but at 20 going on 21, it is hard to give up him and his physical tools to become s solid contributor on a nightly bases. Eddie needs to divorce his lust for the 3 point shot and focus on playing solid D and grabbing rebounds on the offense and defensive ends - this is what this team needs from him now. Center Yao Ming has been very good for this team though he has battled with fartigue and physical 'abuse' recently. He is supposedly suffering from a collision with the rookie wall but even with the little he can give us now, the team is a much better team with him on the floor. He Changes shots, commands double teams and can pass effectively from the high post and double teams. But he still needs to work on his rebounding and low post positioning - a little help from his team matewill help also. With Yao in the middle, the Houston is a true CONTENDER and team around the league know that and they have started conjouring up defenses to stop him. BENCH When you have CATO, RICE, MOOCHIE, TAYLOR, MORRIS, NACHBAR and HAWKINS, you a somewhat balanced bench that can stand up to any one like we withnessed over a week ago in San Antonio. TAYLOR is still recorvering from injury and he has shown some fire and promise in recent games. CATO has been solid all year as the backup 5 and 4. MORRIS and HAWKINS have filled in nicely when needed while moochies just does his thing as well. Only Portland, Dallas and SacTown can flat out rightfully claim they have a better bench in the WEST. Go figure. If you piece everything together, you will see that there is still hope. Since our problem is more of fundamentals and team cohesion rather than talent, it can be 'easily' rectified - because it is harder to teach talent. I want to believe that somehow our team start from the top can get their second wind and show some urgency and stop under archieving. This team can do it but they will ONLY DO IT AS ONE BODY with everyone's role DEFINED and ACCEPTED. I am still miffed by the way things have gone recently but all is not lost - where there is life there is always hope. A trade MIGHT be good for the this but an absence of one will not spell disaster. We all know how difficult it is to make trades without compensating too much. This present bunch have the puzzles to make a season to remember but there must be a consciencious and direct effort to PLAYS AS ONE AT ALL TIMES - EVERY QUARTER - EVERY GAME. THE BALL IS DEFINITELY IN OUR COURT - WE CAN DO IT. I hope I did not suck (please excuse any errors you might come accross).
Well, the thread title was a bit melodramatic and cheesy, but the content was ok. I give it 3 and 3/4 stars.
As many have indicated, the challenge that we face does not involve capabilities. We do have the talent as you have rightfully pointed out. We lack intelligence, chemistry/teamwork and heart. As a fan, I would prefer to see our Rox excel at these 3 things more than anything else.
