| Summer in Space City: Rockets' Offseason Preview Authored by Jason Linnard - May 16, 2005 - 10:39 pm
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Though the season is over, the Rockets have a bright offseason ahead of them. Word is that Houston is the place to go this year. Guard/forward Tracy McGrady and Center Yao Ming are both young and will be locked up as Rockets for the better part of a decade. Many players would love to play alongside these two superstars. Let’s look at some of the prospective players that could don the Rocket’s red next season……
Rocket’s Needs
PG: The Rockets have two very talented PGs in Bobby Sura and Mike James, but throughout their careers, they’ve been labeled as “shoot-first, pass-later.” Sura’s natural position is actually SG. Van Gundy loves a pure PG, so look to see a new floor general next year.
One possibility is former Duke guard Chris Duhon. He’s not the most prolific scorer, but he will get the ball to those who will score. Chicago already has 2 good guards in Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon, so Duhon could be the odd man out of the starting lineup. Though he is a restricted free agent, he could be wearing a different red uniform next fall.
Another possibility is Charlotte guard Brevin Knight. Though a little undersized (5’10”, 170 lbs), Knight takes care of the ball and is a great passer. He averaged 9 assists a game this year in Charlotte, second only to league MVP Steve Nash.
Other choices: Marko Jaric, Earl Watson, Antonio Daniels, Jay Williams
PF: Houston showed a large need for depth at PF throughout the playoffs. With the loss of Juwan Howard, the Rockets were forced to play one-dimensional players Scott Padgett and Ryan Bowen. The Rockets have lacked rebounding and interior defense from the PF position. Howard has proved adequate, but he averaged under 6 rebounds and had 5 blocks all year.
One possibility is Memphis big man Stromile Swift. He’s an outstanding rebounder and shot-blocker, has amazing athleticism, and not afraid to bang in the paint. He’s an unrestricted free agent, and, though highly coveted, has a good chance of coming to Houston. Swift grew up in Louisiana, and the Rockets are reportedly his favorite team. He also attended Louisiana State University and could possibly move closer to home.
Another choice is Donyell Marshall. Also a great rebounder and interior defender. One added skill is his shooting range. He can hit the perimeter shot, and he tied the record for most three-pointers made in one game (12). Houston attempted to acquire him from Toronto at the trade deadline, and should try hard this offseason to put him next to Yao Ming.
Other options: Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, (draft)
SF: All year, and especially after the trade of veteran Jim Jackson, Houston has lacked a backup SF. Coach Van Gundy was forced to keep McGrady on the court for over 40 minutes a game and use guard Jon Barry in a small lineup as his replacement.
One option is guard/forward DerMarr Johnson. Though Denver will make a run at Johnson, expect Houston to look into the former Cincinnati Bearcat. Even after a possibly-fatal car accident resulting in 4 broken vertebrae in his neck, he has amazing athleticism and ball handling for his size (6’9”). He’s a good scorer and passer as well.
Another choice is Toronto forward Eric Williams. Acquired in the Vince Carter trade, Williams has reportedly wanted out of Canada, and the team has a mutual feeling. Though he has little offensive upside, he is a defensive beast and can guard almost any position on the floor. Plays with a lot of energy.
Other possibilities: Devin Brown, Bostjan Nachbar, Glenn Robinson, James Jones
The Draft
For the first time since 2002, Houston has a first round draft pick. Though low (#24), there will be many quality players left to choose from.
Possible picks
Kansas PF Wayne Simien – Big rebounder, big interior defender, NBA-ready body.
UNC PF/C Sean May – Another NBA-ready big man, tough rebounder, limited mobility, but good low post scoring
TX HS Sr. SG/SF CJ Miles – Great offensive player. Very good scorer, has good point guard skill. Good low-post moves for his size (6’6”)
MS HS Sr. PG/SG Monta Ellis – Great scorer, but at his size (6’2”) he is a tweener: he lacks the height needed to play shooting guard and lacks the court vision and passing to play point guard.
France PF/C Johan Petro – Very raw, but would be big payoff. Good low-post defender, will develop shot-blocking skills. Raw on offense, but is just 19 years old.
As soon as the NBA Finals are over, look for Carroll Dawson to make moves that will put Houston in position to make a championship run.
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