2006 Houston Rockets Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Houston Rockets NBA Preview page. At the time of publish preseason games are winding down and the regular season about to be begin. If you enjoy betting on NBA basketball be sure to use Maddux Sports for NBA Basketball Picks and visit the Live NBA Betting Lines to increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Houston Rockets Basketball Season Preview

An injury ridden Rocket team won only 34 games last season and did not make the playoffs. If they can stay healthy and if two off-season acquisitions pan out, can they get to the post-season?

Rafer Alston (12.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.7 APG, 37.9 FG%, 69.2 FT%) is a serviceable point guard. He’d probably blossom in an up-tempo game, but that’s not happening on this team. At shooting guard, Tracy McGrady (24.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 40.6 FG%, 74.7 FT%) makes the Houston backcourt dangerous. McGrady is definitely a force, but not if he misses 35 games like he did last season. Shooting guard Kirk Snyder (PPG, RPG, APG, FG%, FT%), late of the Hornets, will be used for “D” and to pump in points when Ming and McGrady have company.

Juwan Howard (11.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 45.9 FG%, 80.6 FT%), although not the best defender, is a tough competitor who puts everything into winning. The Rockets are looking for trade acquisition Shane Battier (10.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 48.8 FG%, 70.7 FT%), at small forward, to provide more defense, while adding adequate point production.

Yao Ming (22.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 51.9 FG%, 85.3 FT%) broke down for 25 games in 2005-06. He’s got a fine shot, but his durability and stamina are of major concern. Still, he’s managed to become more aggressive inside and can also grab the rebound. For a guy who’s 7’ 6,” he doesn’t block many shots.

Jeff Van Gundy is a fine coach, who can instruct and motivate players. The offense plays a determined, inside-out game, while the defense secures the paint. But the team was habitually burned by three’s last season. Will Van Gundy push his players to guard the perimeter and risk opening up the post or paint? However he adjusts, he’ll insist that they play a disciplined game.

There’s optimism about this club, but they’re far from making the finals. In fact, they may not even get to the second season. A lot has to go right for this rocket to hit the mark.

For more info on the 2006 Rockets basketball team visit the Rockets official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Mavericks, Grizzlies, Hornets, and Spurs.