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Is Artest the Answer for the Rockets?

July 31, 2008

On paper, the Rockets look like championship contenders, but, then again, this is Tracy McGrady’s Rockets and not Hakeem Olajuwon’s. With the addition of Ron Artest yesterday, the Rockets undoubtedly have one of the best trios in the league. Artest-McGrady-Yao, when healthy, probably only falls behind the Celtics trio of Allen-Garnett-Pierce. The Wizards, Lakers, and Spurs all have decent arguments, but whatever your opinion, the Rockets are going to be right up there. The supporting cast is not bad either with Rafer Alston at the point, and the up-and-coming Luis Scola at power forward. Then, you’ve got a great defender and role player in Shane Battier off the bench. Brent Barry and Luther Head can come in and hit some shots, too.

All the pieces are there and Rick Adelman is a good, experienced coach, but I’m not putting my money on the Rockets to win it all. You’ve got to worry about the fact that T-Mac is probably going to miss a fair chunk of games, same goes with Yao, and then even if they do get to the playoffs healthy, T-Mac has never gotten out of the first round!

No question this is an intriguing move and the Rockets could have a magical season, but Rockets fans shouldn’t hold their breath.

What do you think? Can McGrady finally do it?

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Written by HoopsAvenue · Filed Under General NBA, Houston Rockets 

Comments

One Response to “Is Artest the Answer for the Rockets?”

  1. Mountain on August 21st, 2008 3:55 am

    One level of analysis that doesn’t get a lot of public discussion when it comes to lineups and trades is floor usage and ultimately favorite shot zones.

    McGrady shoots better on right side of court for close and midrange- but better on left (facing basket) from long range. He appropriately shoots more often from the left side from long range but also from midrange despite last season’s results there.

    Yao is better on the right block than left.

    Artest doesn’t have a simple better side but he does like to use the left side of the court more often. Will he and McGrady get in each other’s way? I don’t know but it could happen when they are on court together. However either probably spaces alright with Yao.

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