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Houston Rockets 2010-11 Season Preview

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Aaron Brooks and Yao Ming

Houston Rockets 2009-2010 Facts:
  • Western Conference: 9th Place
  • South West Division: 3rd Place
  • Record: 42 Wins 40 Loses
  • Playoffs: Did Not Make Playoffs

Key Moves:
Incoming
  • G Courtney Lee
  • C Brad Miller
  • F Patrick Patterson
Outgoing
  • F Trevor Ariza
  • F Chuck Hayes
  • C David Anderson
  • F Brain Cook

              Yao Ming will not see more then 24 minutes on the court this season and the Rockets are hoping that will keep him healthy for the playoffs. If Yao Ming is healthy for the playoffs the Rockets will become instant contenders. The Rockets are a versatile offense team because they can be a fast break team or play half court. When Yao Ming is on the court they can feed him the basketball and take open 3 pointers and when he is off the court Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin can run and gun. Luis Scola and Shane Battier are the two glue players who can take over a game without scoring. Battier has always been one of the best role players in the NBA playing top notch defense and nailing 3 pointers. With Yao Ming in the lineup Scola will only be asked to rebound and defend, but if Ming gets hurt Scola will definite be a force on offense. The Rockets also have a couple of solid bench players in Brand Miller, Kyle Lowry, Courtney Lee, and promising rookie Patrick Patterson.

  • Back Court:
Aaron Brooks will look to go from most improved player to all star this season. Brooks will use his speed to get into the middle of the court and now has a very accurate 3 point shot. Kevin Martin will start at shooting guard and they are helping he can play well of Yao Ming. Martin can shoot and drive to the basket to get foul shots. Back up point guard Kyle Lowry will see major minutes again this season because of his speed and defense. Lowry can start on a number of teams in the NBA, but needs to get a better 3 point shot. Courtney Lee will get limited minutes, but the Rockets are hoping he can nail down corner 3 pointers.

  • Front Court:
The Rockets have plenty of talent in the front court and they are hoping that they are stay healthy this season. Yao Ming will start at center, but the Rockets will try and reduce his minutes to keep him healthy for the playoffs. Yao Ming will only play 24 minutes in the beginning of the season, as a result Brad Miller will play major minutes as backup. Luis Scola will continue to fly under the radar and do all the dirty work for the Rockets. Patrick Patterson is a solid rebounded and defender who should come in and help right away. Jordan Hill is on the outside looking in, the only way he’ll get minutes is if he hustles hard and brings energy. Shane Battier is the ultimate role player and start small forward this season. Battier is a solid defense and hits opens shots when he’s open in the corner. Chase Budinger will be a solid 3 point shooter off the bench.

  • 2010-11 Predictions:

  • Predicted Starting Line-Up:
  • Center: Yao Ming
  • Power Forward: Luis Scola
  • Small Forward: Shane Battier
  • Shooting Guard: Kevin Martin
  • Point Guard: Aaron Brooks
  • Sixth Man: Courtney Lee
Bench: Courtney Lee, Chase Budinger, Jordan Hill, Brad Miller, Kyle Lowry, Patrick Patterson, Chuck Hayes, Jared Jefferies, Will Conroy, Mike Harris, Alexander Johnson, Ishmael Smith, Antonio Anderson, Jordan, Eglseder, Patrick Sullivan, and Jermaine Taylor.

  • All-Star Player: Kevin Martin
  • Best Veteran Player: Shane Battier  
  • Best Asset: Luis Scola
  • Best New Addition:  Courtney Lee
  • Key Player: Yao Ming

  • Western Conference: 5th Place
  • Division: 2nd Place

              The Rockets have a built a solid team that should definitely make the playoffs and if Yao Ming is healthy contend for a championship. Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin will look to take some of the scoring burden off Yao Ming and that should help them keep his minutes reduced. Scola will do all the dirty work and play major minutes because he can take over on offense when Ming is sitting. The Rockets are still looking for players to fill the roster and were hoping to trade for Carmelo Anthony. If the Rockets are not contending or fighting for a playoff spot look for the them to make a trade around the deadline.