Houston Rockets 2008-2009 Season Preview

The Houston Rockets’ new power trio looks to lead the Rockets’ charge up the Western Conference standings in 2008-09.

Houston Rockets: 2007-08 Overview

In the 2007-08 NBA season, the Houston Rockets suffered the loss of 7-foot-6 Yao Ming. Without their big man in the line up, the Houston Rockets turned to Tracy McGrady and a cast of rookies to carry the offensive load. With hard work and gritty defense, the Houston Rockets reeled off a history-making 22-game winning streak that turned heads and quieted critics who left the Rockets for dead after Yao Ming went down for the season. Rookies Luis Scola and Carl Landry breathed new life into the Rockets’ once-anemic offense and helped lead the Rockets’ surge from 10th place in the West in January to first place in the West come March.

The Rockets wrapped up their season at 55-27 and snagged the No. 5 seed and home-court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs for the second year in a row. In the first round, the Houston Rockets faced longtime rival Utah Jazz – the team that handed the Rockets an early playoff exit the year before. The Houston Rockets turned in a competitive, hard-fought series against the Jazz, but point guard phenom Deron Williams proved to be too much for the Rockets’ smaller lineup to handle. The Houston Rockets fell to the Utah Jazz in six games, 4-2.

Houston Rockets: Offseason

General Manager Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets took care of business in the offseason, addressing and filling holes in the lineup. The Houston Rockets brought in controversial forward Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Bobby Jackson, a future No. 1 draft pick, and No. 28 draft pick Donte Greene. One of the best on-the-ball defenders in the NBA, Ron Artest brings a toughness and edge to the Houston Rockets and scoring at the three.

The Houston Rockets also snagged free-agent sharp shooter Brent Barry who should flourish at the three-point line with Yao Ming in the middle. After an explosive rookie campaign, Carl Landry became an instant fan favorite and will suit up in Rockets red after the Charlotte Bobcats offer sheet was matched. As far as notable players lost in the offseason, the Houston Rockets sent second-year three-point specialist Steve Novak to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Houston Rockets: Offense

This season, there are many offensive weapons in the Houston Rockets lineup. The offense starts with the often-underrated Rafer Alston, who will run the point this season and will set the example for unselfish basketball. Rafer Alston will be called upon to run plays, score, hit outside shots, drive to the basket, and find open teammates. A healthy Tracy McGrady will likely be the top scoring option and will set the tone for the Rockets offense. If T-Mac can stay aggressive and attack the rim, there’s no stopping the Houston Rockets. After averaging 21.6 PPG and a team-high 5.9 APG last season, Tracy McGrady has proven that he can both create on offense or dish to an open teammate.

The Houston Rockets also have the luxury of having the best center in the league in Yao Ming. If Yao Ming can stay healthy, return to his dominant play, and continue to post 20-10 numbers, opposing teams will have no answer for Yao Ming in the middle. Budding stars Luis Scola and Carl Landry have the chance to do some damage in the low post. While scoring will not be Ron Artest’s No. 1 priority, he can provide some offense at small forward.

Houston Rockets: Defense

With their top scorer Yao Ming out with injury last season, the Houston Rockets defense was tested and came up big. Shane Battier – hands down one of the best defenders in the league – was a big part of the Rockets defensive domination. Young gunners like Carl Landry, Luis Scola, and Chuck Hayes board well and are defensive stoppers at the four. This season, the Houston Rockets have bolstered their defense with Ron Artest – who, off-court antics aside, is one of the best on-the-ball defenders in the league. If he can stay focused on defense, Ron Artest will impact every game with his hard-nosed defense.

Houston Rockets: Lineup

Point Guard: Rafer Alston, Aaron Brooks
Shooting Guard: Tracy McGrady, Brent Barry
Small Forward: Ron Artest, Shane Battier
Power Forward: Luis Scola, Carl Landry, Chuck Hayes
Center: Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo

Houston Rockets: Outlook

The Houston Rockets are competing in the stacked Southwest Division against the likes of the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Hornets, and Memphis Grizzlies. By bringing in the likes of Ron Artest and Brent Barry and re-signing Carl Landry, the Houston Rockets have the pieces in place to win the Southwest and make a formidable run for the championship this season. Possibly the only thing holding the Houston Rockets back is their health. If the Rockets’ Big Three – T-Mac, Yao, and Ron Artest – can stay healthy, the Rockets will be the favorites to win the West. Could this be the year that the Houston Rockets get a sniff of the second round? All signs point to yes, while the NBA Finals is a very real possibility as well.