Something I look forward to every year is getting my annual SI NBA Preview edition. Not that I consider SI an authority on the NBA or anything, but it's always an interesting read. This year I'm struck by their positive view on the Rockets. #2 in the WC: Rockets Defensive player of the year runner-up: Ron Artest Coach of the year runner-up: Rick Adelman Executive of the year runner-up: Daryl Morey First Team Center: Yao Ming (surprise!) Second Team Guard: Tracy McGrady (surprise!) That's a lot of love. Hopefully, we'll even exceed expectations.
I don't think any of this is a reach at all. Ron Artest, the second-best defender in the West? Morey the runner-up to Exec of the Year? Yao Ming having a better year than Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, Greg Oden, and an "I'm just here for the money now" Shaq? Don't forget "second best center in the league" Dampier. Just imagine all the breaks we'd have to catch to achieve those milestones. And SI doesn't love us that much just yet. Marty Burns has us as #5 in his preseason ranks behind LA San Antonio and New Orleans in the West. We didn't have Ron or Barry last year and people were ranking us higher preseason.
Shouldn't NBA rewards those sports writers who predicted right at beginning of season and fire the ones did wrong ?
Correct. Dwight Howard is the 2nd team center - which IMO is his rightful place - but most of the media has him at #1.
Wow, you haven't seen Dwight Howard play a single game this season and he's already your #2? What, you work for ESPN?
