realistic expectatiosn next year

This is how i see it. If we draft Ming and IF we can stay relatively healthy, I think we can win around 45 games. Over 50 games is way too much. Maybe in a couple years we can start hitting that consistently. Im looking for a 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs. Anything more would be unrealistic, and anything less may be a possibility.

 

I totaly disagree RocketFan. Im expecting about 45-50 wins next year. We won like 43 games in 01 and we had all the people we have now, but we are also going to have Ming, Griffin, Rice, and whoever we draft at 15. Realistically we will be a much better team than we were in 01 IF everyone is healthy. Thats a big if though.

 

Well, I think we make the playoffs, even if we don't make any more trades, picks, or Ming plays a single minute this next year.

Houston fell short of the playoffs a year ago by just a game or two. Francis, Mobely, Thomas, Cato and Griffin have all matured, so, barring last year's plethora of injuries, they'll be in the playoffs. Besides, we won't end up with a lottery pick next year (owed to Memphis), so there's no reason to "play for the future." (translated by some as TANK.)

But, somehow, I believe, the Rockets will pull another one out of their hat, and we won't be using our #15 in the draft, since it'll probably be utilized in a trade to upgrade at the SF, and move Rice. I wish we could pick up Lewis, or trade for Jason Richardson, but our best chance at upgrading the SF is probably Odom, although I think it would have to be in a 3-way trade, since LA doesn't need any more picks this year.

 

Don't be deceived by the fact that the Rockets were 45-37 in the 2000-2001 season. The Rockets feasted on the East to a level of success which is unusual and not likely repeatable.

In the 45-37 season, we had the following record against playoff teams:

LAL - 1-3 - 3peat, 'nuff said
SAC - 0-4 - added Bibby & Turkoglu
SAS - 1-3 - added Parker & S. Smith
DAL - 2-2 - added Van Exel & LaFrentz
POR - 1-3
MIN - 2-2
PHX - 1-3 - added Jake + 2002 draft + Marion improves
UTA - 1-3 - always a tough match w/ their disciplined approach

Also worth noting about the 2000-2001 season was that Dream started playing real well in the second half of the season and Walt Williams was on fire for about the last 20 games or so.

My predictions -
Yao Ming: 24 mpg / 10-12 ppg / 6 rpg / 2 blocks/g
Rockets: 7th or 8th seed and highly capable of a 1st round upset.

 

GATER is right on the money. Just because we won 45 games two years ago does not mean we will improve on that. Many teams have improved. Teams like the clippers are getting it together also. Its a long road, and getting 45 wins next year would be more than i could ask for.

 

1. Rockets make playoffs w/ either the #7 or #8 seed.
2. Francis goes to his second all-star game, as a starter.
3. Ming will either win R.O.Y. or be runner up.
4. Odom is comeback player of the year, let's hope in a Rockets uni.
5. I will have 800 posts before midnight.
Go Rockets!!

 

1. Rockets make the playoffs; Ming gets schooled in his position. Ming gets crowned ROY. EG makes a shaky yet solid improvement averaging 11 ppg and 2.2 bpg.

2. Rockets barely miss playoffs due to injuries; Ming gets schooled in his position. Ming makes runner up of ROY. Questions abound on how they didn't make the playoffs and how they lost their first round pick. Rudy T's system gets criticized as too rigid and unwelcome for rookies.



I think Ming's too wet behind the ears to be ready for the physical inside game and will get a lot of fouls in trying to block the other guy. Offensively, if he can stay out of foul trouble, he could make 20 points based on his height and shooting skills.

As for Cat n Steve, if Ming is good as promised, they might pass to him because of respect...

 

Ming won't be ROY but he will work hard and improve as the season goes along. The Rockets will do OK until just before the All Star break and then things will start falling into place.

EG's game will have improved, the team will be healthier and more competitive.

After the All Star break the team will start to gel and make a run for the 8th playoff seed. It will come down to the very end as to whether they will make the playoffs or not. Either the team will be very encouraged by their developement and after that the sky's the limit.

 

Ming may not win rookie of the year, but he may be an allstar. I cant imagine how many votes he will get from china.

 

I should add that Ming's likable manner with the press and work ethic will make him a fan favorite, and well liked and respected among his teammates.