They have a better star player and their youth getting better is arguably better than our youth getting better. If they get any type of inside presence, OKC is damn scary. I think 5 is fair for Houston.
Billups + Melo alone guarantees them higher position over us. The NBA is a league of superstars. Don't worry. Once the season starts and we being wiping the floor with Denver... it'll all pan out.
I agree. We were ranked 17th in defense last season, and if ppl think Yao by himself will bolt the Rockets as a top defense, they are sadly mistaken. EVERYONE has to buy into playing defense or we ain't winning s***.
Man we been saying this since 2005..........wake me up when we actually do what we all think the Rockets will do........
Anywhere between 2nd - 8th seed wouldn't surprise me. The West is so difficult. Hopefully Phoenix will fall way back without Stoudemire, but they still have Nash, so I don't count them out. Blazers are only going to be better if they can stay healthy this year.
Youth in the NBA is over rated. The champions in the past and recent past had grizzled veterans as their lead players. If the Rockets keep emphasizing youth then they will be in perpetual rebuild mode. I am very happy with the veterans that the Rockets have as the spearhead of the team with a young and developing second echelon. Because of the way the team is stocked with solid veterans I believe they rank just below the Lakers in the West. Privately though, I think these Rockets, as currently built, will give the Lakers a run for their money. If Yao's health holds up in the playoffs they should be able to beat the Lakers, subject of course to more even officiating.
With Yao healthy the Rox are better than OKC..... Especially with our matchups.....we are a nightmare matchup for them. DD
My opinion of Houston v.s Dallas Starters: (25)Brooks v.s Kidd(37) Comment: Kidd just ran out of gas in the playoffs. I think his age has finally caught up with him. Brook would torch him all night long Advantage: Rockets (27)Martin v.s. Butler(30) Comment: While I feel that Martin is the better offensive player, Butler isn't a slouch either. He is capable of creating his own shot on occasion. The real difference between the two players is on the defense end of the court. While Butler will not be confused with a Shane Battier or a Bruce Bowen, when compared to Martin he almost looks like one. Martin is one of the worst defenders I have ever seen. Advantage: Mav-Pricks (25)Ariza = Marion (32) Comment: This is the closest match-up in the starting line-up. Marion has better career numbers, but I think alot of this can be attributed to playing in a run and gun system with a hall of fame caliber point guard. Ariza is younger and at this point more athletic. As long as Ariza plays within his role and doesn't revert into his alter-ego Mr. Brick Shot. ...the Rockets win this match-up Advantage: Rockets. (30)Scola v.s Nowitzki(32) Comments: Beast Mode is in full-effect. I love Scola's game...although his defense leaves something to be desired. But lets face it, Dirk is a hell of a player. He has more range on his jump shot and has the ability to dribble around Scola.....even if he can't post him up. Advantage: Mav-Pricks (30)Yao v.s Haywood(31) Comments: As we all know, the Great Wall of Houston is coming back after a crack in the foundation has been repaired. We aren't sure if the player coming back will be the same player that left...but after Haywood's choke job in the playoffs......even a battered Yao is better than him Advantage: Rockets Bench: (24)Lowry v.s Beaubois (22) Comments: Beaubois is a speedy point guard, with a very cool name :grin: He absolutely torched the Spurs in the playoffs and I'm still not sure why he was benched in the playoffs in the 4th quarter for Kidd after he sparked a run. However, Beaubois isn't ready for the newly re-signed Human Bowling Ball. As others have mentioned, Lowry plays basketball like its football. This man loves contact and often initiates it. He is a better rebounder, defender and assist guy than Beaubois. Advantage : Rockets (23)Taylor v.s Terry (33) Comments: Taylor has shown athletic flashes during his tenure in Houston that have dropped my jaw. However he has also shown ball-hog tendencies that remind me of a Tyreke Evans. The way he dribbles with his head down is frustrating. I don't need to say much about Terry..he always seems to light us up Advantage: Mav-Pricks (22)Bud v.s Stevenson (29) Comments: Chase is coming off of an impressive rookie season, especially for his draft position. His jumper is silky smooth and the man is an athlete. He needs to improve on his defense however. As for DeShawn........LOL Advantage: Rockets (21)Pat v.s Mahinmi (23) Comments:.......Uh I gotta be honest. I don't know much about Mahinmi lol. Go 2Pat. Advantage: Rockets? idk but I hope (22)Hill v.s Chandler(28) Comment: Hill is a raw offensive player...so raw that he makes Chandler look somewhat polished in my opinion. His defense need improvement and I don't think he can hold down the 5 spot for more than a few minutes. Chandler is a defensive specialist who loves to swat shots into the cheap seats. To think Morey was almost able 2 get him. Advantage: Mav-Pricks
Shane used to be underrated couple of yrs ago, and now hes being overrated. any other playoff teams in west has a better SF than Shane, sad...
no we arent... westbrook will rape brooks little ass, and durant will embarass ariza... yao is the only big mismatch
