Season Preview Strengths The young backcourt of Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley is as explosive offensively as any in the game. They are incredibly quick at getting to the glass or shooting from 3-point range. The Rockets now have a deep frontline with Yao Ming, Eddie Griffin, Mo Taylor, Kenny Thomas and Kelvin Cato. Rudy Tomjanovich is one of the special people in the NBA and an exceptional coach. Weaknesses They have gotten into the habit of losing, failing to make the playoffs three years in a row for the first time in 29 years when they were still a fledgling organization that had never finished .500. Francis is a mega-talent who hasn't been consistent yet. Realistically, you say that about everybody on the team. Players to keep an eye on Griffin, Taylor and Thomas must grow up this season. They all have talent and haven't proven to be the kind of players most expected them to be. They are big and have extraordinary skills at the basket and on the perimeter. Now they have to prove they have the mental capacity to do it on a nightly basis against the big and tough frontcourts in the West. Intangibles Having gotten into the habit of losing, it will be up to Tomjanovich to change their mindset. Some of it is just maturity. Some of it is the way these guys don't think. It will be interesting to see how they grow together, because this is a powerhouse in the making. Pivotal player Yao can change everything and some believe he will. At 7-5, with shooting touch and a fearlessness from playing international ball since childhood, if he can handle all the attention he will receive, he could change them into a homecourt advantage contender. Prediction Third place in the Midwest Division (48-34) -- Mike Kahn
I think we will get much better as the season progresses. Consider we haven't played our 'real' starting five even once during preseason and won't until game 6. Hopefully a week's worth of practice will help greatly.
