[Star Telegram] Houston Rockets have the talent, but ...

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Houston Rockets have the talent, but ...
By JAN HUBBARD

jhubbard@star-telegram.com

When carefully and analytically considering all available information in the preseason — and, of course, taking the responsibility of predictions very seriously — the conclusion here was that the Houston Rockets would finish fifth in the NBA’s Western Conference.

That was contrary to more inflated opinions that were a result of the Rockets’ acquisition of Ron Artest in the off-season. Some basketball
psychics even suggested the Rockets could make it to the NBA Finals.

The feeling here, however, was that the Rockets had several major problems — specifically, a knee and two screws.

Tracy McGrady reported to training camp saying his left knee was still sore after arthroscopic surgery in the off-season. On Tuesday, he announced that he will be resting the knee for three weeks because of what doctors describe as a "general soreness" that is lingering because of the surgery.

McGrady missed 62 games in the past three seasons. He is one of the most outstanding basketball players of his generation, but at age 29 — it is amazing how young he still is — his body is falling apart from the wear and tear of 11 seasons in the NBA. McGrady was 18 when he was drafted out of high school.

The problem with screws is that one is in Yao Ming’s left foot and the other one is in Artest’s head. If either one of them comes loose, the Rockets could implode.

Yao has missed 86 games the past three years with knee, toe and foot injuries. At 7-foot-6 and 310 pounds, his sheer size puts tremendous pressure on his lower body when he runs and jumps. He broke his foot last season and missed 35 games. He had surgery, played in the Olympics and considering his recent history, a full season without missing major playing time would be a surprise.

With Artest, there has never been a question of talent. The brawl at Auburn Hills happened four years ago, and Artest is capable of becoming a distraction at any point. During his NBA career, he has had problems with accusations of domestic abuse, dog abuse and once even asked to take a month off during the season to promote an album of a group he was managing.

The combination of these factors made the Rockets one of the most unstable teams in terms of predictions. Any suggestion that Houston could compete for a title was accompanied by qualifiers — "if Yao and McGrady stay healthy; if Artest doesn’t blow up."

When he discussed the health of his team with Houston reporters on Tuesday, Rockets coach Rick Adelman said: "Let me ask you: Who do I have tomorrow? It’s kind of been a never-ending story this year with guys in and out."

The Rockets still will be competitive. They led the Southwest Division before games on Wednesday, plus they have been able to experience success despite injuries in the past.

Houston was arguably the most amazing team in the NBA last season. Yes, the Celtics won the title and others, such as the Lakers and Hornets, had impressive seasons.

But nothing was more incredible than Houston’s 22-game winning streak, and the Rockets won the last 10 of those with Yao sidelined with the foot injury. That 22-game streak ranks second in NBA history behind the 33 in a row won by the 1971-72 Lakers.

Coming into the season, however, the potential instability of the Rockets’ bodies and psyches was apparent. Unfortunately for the team and its fans, breakdowns were not that hard to predict.
Jan Hubbard, 817-390-7760

 

I am assuming that he will be there as he is a die hard Bulls fan. So with that said...all I care about is Rockets fans. On that note when are you coming to join us up here in the north again?

As far as the article, I agree with your statement. Only time will show what we are made of...