I 100% agree. But I also have conceeded that this team is not going to get walk on superstars and most teams are not trading their superstars. You can also try and go lotto which is like lightning striking twice (once that you get the #1-2 pick and once that there is a superstar to pick that year). So given all that, I think we have to put the best team forward and maybe, just maybe with a little luck, health, injuries on the other teams, teams getting knocked off by teams we match up well against - we might be able to sneak through. Then, with some success, we might be more attractive to superstars.
and to add to this even the pistons benefited from kobe having a TERRIBLE series and freezing out Shaq.
Mediocre teams need a superstar to take them over the top. This current squad is not mediocre. Therefore, the Rockets don't need a superstar. I have to admit, the odds aren't looking good for the Rockets, but the Pistons give me a reason to BELIEVE this squad is something special.
I think you're going to be very surprised. 2Pat isn't as exciting as Landry, but he's bringing a much better all-around game.
Legit superstar (if available). Morey is stockpiling assets and hanging onto expiring contracts for a reason. A backup center that isn't fat, old or overpaid. A solid third PG.
Not really, because their best players usually dont get hurt, and doesnt come from a big injury like Yao. Houston has a bad luck with injuries, last year the rockets were in the battle for the 8th spot, but they had some injuries like battier and lowry, and the rockets lost some games.
Starting center until proven otherwise. If anyone has the guts and work ethic to battle back from injury, it's Yao. But it's not entirely up to him - it's up to his foot too. Until we see him back, really back (and don't get me wrong: I expect to), our biggest hole is at the 5. Everything rides on Yao's health and nothing else much matters. With a healthy Yao, Brooks, Martin, Scola, heck, our whole team - whoever's open as a result of the double team - has a field day. If Yao's unhealthy, we have another fun year like last year with a gutty team, top to bottom, and start all over around the trade deadline.
And I don't agree with those who believe we need a superstar. We have a superstar; we just don't know if he can still play like one. If he can, he will make stars of Martin, Budinger, Brooks: anyone who can hit an open shot. A healthy Yao will make this supporting cast look like the ones from the championship years, only better.
Don't know what's holding him back. But Patrick is super athletic as well. Just the mindset is different. I believe he's a hustler.
I can't believe no one said this: The Rockets Biggest hole? They traded him a couple days ago....ba da bang!
Despite being a big fan of Budinger, I wish Morey could trade Battier and change (Taylor + our 2012 #1 -- not New York's) for Detroit's Tayshaun Prince. Prince is 30 and makes $11M but he provides defense and offense and fits in well with the others on the team. Also, since he is an expiring, Prince gives Bud more time to grow as a defensive player without stifling his playing time. Also, Battier is a Detroit favorite.
