The biggest question for Kobe and the Lakers -- can they do it again?
Watching the Lakers celebrate their title had to stir up a variety of emotions for the Rockets and their fans.
Certainly pride: The Rockets were the only team in these playoffs to push the Lakers to seven games. They did it without Yao Ming and without Tracy McGrady.
Probably some regret, too: If Yao had not gotten hurt, and the Rockets could have completed the upset...
Hopefully, the real emotion will be determination.
Remember how the national media reacted to the Rockets-Lakers series?
The Rockets' wins spawned dozens of "What's wrong with the Lakers?" stories and comments.
We said at the time those were unfair -- that the Rockets were not getting enough credit.
Don't expect them to get any now, either.
Orlando will get credit for being young and on the rise and the Next Big Threat.
But if the Rockets are truly determined to make a run next year, they will strike big in the off-season.
And we fully expect them to do just that. They will not be fooled into thinking one bounce here or there will get them past the Lakers as the team stands now.
The Lakers might be better next year, but there might also be some regression. Lamar Odom's deal is up, and they might not bring him back. They have a hole at the point. And at some point, Kobe Bryant's effectiveness will begin to erode, either through injury or wear and tear.
If nothing else, it isn't reasonable to assume Bryant will get better next year.
In the Western Conference, the Blazers will be the young team to watch next season. If they can add a true point guard, they could be a very real threat.
Dallas isn't that far off either, and Mark Cuban -- like Les Alexander -- isn't afraid to make big, bold moves to improve his team.
Denver will be good again, but we probably saw the best that group has to offer.
The Spurs run at titles is likely over, but they will continue to be a strong team as well.
In short, the Rockets as constucted now are in that group. By summer's end, we expect them to have separated themselves.
Ron Artest's return would be critical. Any deals the Rockets make should not include Shane Battier.
We would also hate to see Luis Scoloa go, but he is likely their most tradeable asset, along with Carl Landry and Aaron Brooks.
Some high-profile players should be available -- most notably Toronto's Chris Bosh, who will be a major asset for some team. The Raptors are unlikely to be able to re-sign Bosh, so expect them to move him for a package of younger players.
We have been on the Bosh bandwagon for quite some time, but he would give the Rockets length and an additional inside presence, one who could slide in and replace Yao when he is injured. If Scola had to be included in that deal, so be it.
You would like to see the Rockets add more, though, even with a Bosh move. A lights-out scorer on the wing to replace McGrady would be ideal. A Danny Granger/Rip Hamilton type would make a huge difference in Rick Adelman's offense.
And the point guard position still could use an upgrade, but it's unlikely you could do all three of those moves within the cap, even with the Rockets being willing to eat some luxury tax money.
Regardless, we can expect the Rockets to do something big.
Watching the Lakers celebrate stirred many emotions. For the Rockets, No. 1 was likely determination -- to make the key move that puts them over the top in 2010.
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On vacation in Toronto this week (trying to get them to accept that Chris Bosh will be a Rocket) but will continue to write the next few days. More details here, if you are interested.
We'll have an update from Texans minicamp tomorrow once we have had a chance to talk to some of our team sources, and suspect there will be an Astros take or two as well. So stay tuned.
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Meanwhile, Alan Burge provides some nice insight on the Owen Daniels situation.
Nate Griffin has an Anthony Rendon update.
Comments
Do me a favor? Do your research and stop making stuff up. I don't know how else to say this but you have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. One, the Raptors will not trade Bosh. Two, Bosh hasn't asked to be traded. Three, the Raptors can still pay Bosh $31 million more than any other team. Four, the Rockets have nothing of consequence to even interest the Raptors. Now, if you're just talking in the context of making up your fantasy team, then I apologize.
Short of the Rockets trading TMac's expiring contract to Toronto (and I'm sure both Tracy and Raptor fans would LOVE that deal), I don't see it happening. The Rockets would have to take back dead weight like Marcus Banks' contract to make salaries match.
Yeah get some sports knowledge 1st...the rockets wont be making any big time moves, probably looking at free agency for a healthy center..Aaron Brooks will be point guard for the rockets many many years, he definitely shows signs of being great in the future. Everything depends on Tmacs health for next year..
What are you talking about replacing Tracy McGrady? Pretty sure he's still playing next year...
1 -- McGrady has no value to the Rockets next season except as an expiring contract. This is a serious injury and it is unlikely he will be able to return at a level that would help them. If they can get a real player, they will deal him in a heartbeat.
2 -- I love Aaron Brooks, but they need a bigger complement that Kyle Lowry.
3 -- The Rockets ALWAYS make big moves under Les Alexander. Clyde Drexler. Scottie Pippen. Charles Barkley. Steve Franchise. T Mac. Artest. They don't all work, but the Rocke aren't scared. They know they need another piece.
4 -- I would love to see Bosh stay in Toronto. But of the big time 2010 guys, he is the most obtainable. A LOT of teams will want him. If the Raptors can't re-up him, they will deal him.
5-- I am not "making stuff up." I'm taking a speculative look at what the Rockets MIGHT do based on research and sourcing.
I appreciate you reading and all of your thoughts whether you agree with me or not. Keep 'em coming...
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