| 2008-09 NBA Season Preview: Houston Rockets |
|
|
| Written by Rodney K | |
| Monday, 20 October 2008 | |
 Artest, who scored 20.5 points per game last season will get the nod at the small forward position for Houston. He also was able to add 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists to his forte from last season. Artest, 28 years old, out of St. John’s University brings great athleticism to the squad, and also a great ability to shoot the basketball. Artest is known for his on the court demeanor, but with a few meltdowns will come a lot of production on the basketball coach. The Rockets hope to see a lot of production and a few meltdowns, which would turn there 08-09 season into a prosperous one. At point guard for Houston, Rafer Alston is expected to get the nod. Alston, 6’2, out of New York City played in 74 games last season and scored 13.1 points per game. His ability to score was not his main purpose on the floor, but his ability to dish the ball to the main threats offensively was why the Rockets signed him. Alston dished out 5.3 assists per game last year, but he hopes to improve upon that this year, and rise towards the top of the NBA Point Guards. Alongside Alston in the backcourt will be - ‘TMAC’. Tracey McGrady is coming off a season in which he averaged the lowest scoring average in his eight year career. McGrady scored 21.6 points per game last season. McGrady hit 1.3 3 pointers per game, and added 5.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. McGrady may not be the player he was in his early years, but T-Mac still deserves some respect and notoriety as one of the NBA’s elite players. In the front court, Luis Scola will man the lane, along with Yao Ming. Scola, from Buenos Aires played in all 82 games last season and scored 10.3 points per game. At 6’9 Luis brings some more size to the table, along with the big man in Houston- Yao. Ming, sidelined a lot of the 2007-2008 season with an injury, hopes to regain form this season. Yao played in 55 games last season, missing the final 27, but was able to play for Team China in the Olympics. The Rockets personnel hope Yao’s foot is as close to 100% as possible come opening night. Ming, when he played put up 22 points and almost 11 rebounds per game. In his career, Yao is averaging 19 and 9. Off the bench for Houston looks to be Aaron Brocks, sharpshooting Brent Barry, reliable Shane Battier, and Chuck Hayes. Dikembe Mutombo, Luther Head, Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey also round out the Houston roster. Landry has been a surprise early in camp. Scoring 18 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the opener on Tuesday Landry was able to take the ball outside and force it in. The second year forward seems to have added the jump shot the Rockets executives have been begging him to work on. Look for Landry to possible crack Houston’s substitute formation. Houston will conclude the preseason games with a trip to Sacramento October 23rd. The Rockets will then begin their regular season, also at the Toyota Center. On October 29th the Memphis Grizzles will kick-off the 2008-2009 season. After the Grizzles leave town, Houston will make a trip to Dallas the next night for the Rockets road opener.         Set as favorite Bookmark Comments
(0)
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
