Even with Yao Ming sidelined for the entire 2009-2010 campaign, the Rockets remained competitive in the Western Conference. If Yao can get healthy this off-season, Houston figures to be right back in playoff contention next year.
By: David Kay
’09-’10 Season in Review:
When your two supposed franchise players combine to play just six games in a single season, your odds of success drastically drop. But with Yao Ming lost for the season due to a foot injury and Tracy McGrady being injured/sulking/traded, Houston was able to finish with an above five-hundred record, but still eight games back of the 8th playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Kudos to Rockets GM Daryl Morey who turned McGrady’s expiring contract and Carl Landry into a talented starting shooting guard in Kevin Martin, young power forward in Jordan Hill, the expiring contract of Jared Jeffries, and a right to swap first round picks with the Knicks in 2011. In addition to that move, the draft day acquisition of Chase Budinger proved to be a solid move as the former Arizona Wildcat became a steady contributor off the bench. Perhaps the biggest storyline of the 2009-2010 season in Houston was the development of point guard Aaron Brooks who was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player and appears to be the team’s floor leader of the future. Trevor Ariza was the big free agent acquisition last off-season, swapping spots with Ron Artest in L.A., and brought his versatility and athleticism and also figures to be a vital part of the Rockets’ future.
Click here to see the Rockets’ needs this off-season and their salary cap situation.
Check out David Kay’s other NBA team needs pages.