Rockets 2000 Pre-Season Review

[78#]

Key losses

PJ Brown
Anthony Mason
Laphonso Ellis
Kenny Smith
Greg Anthony
Malik Sealy
Danny Manning

Key Additions

Joe Smith
Travis Best
Elden Campbell
Hubert Davis

Draft Picks

Hedo Turkoglu
Quentin Richardson

Starting Lineup

C - Zydrunas Ilgauskas
PF - Joe Smith
SF - Ruben Patterson
SG - Darrell Armstrong
PG - Travis Best

2nd unit

C/PF - Elden Campbell
SF - Wesley Person
SG/PG - Hubert Davis

Preseason Predictions

6th in Midwest
10th in the West

MVP - Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Leading Rebounder - Ilgauskas
Leading Scorer - Ilgauskas
Leading Assist man - Travis Best
Leading steals - Best
Leading Shot Blocker - Ilgauskas
Leading 3-pt shooter - Hubert Davis

[78#]

Thanks for the question. Yes the Shaq trade has set us back quite a bit. But can't cry over spilled milk.

[JNR]

GWR: Seems like there were a few mishaps in training camp. Do you still see your team as contending for the division?

[WigNosy]

Reports during the draft were that you were quite high on Turkoglu and Patterson. Did their training camp performance bolster or hurt your confidence in them?

[78#]

GWR: Seems like there were a few mishaps in training camp. Do you still see your team as contending for the division?

Thanks for the question. No way. Our goal at this point is to play spoiler and make contending teams upset after stealing a win here and there and posting the box scores either on a media page or league chat.

Our team will be solid, hopefully close to .500, but I don't see us winning the division.

[78#]

Reports during the draft were that you were quite high on Turkoglu and Patterson. Did their training camp performance bolster or hurt your confidence in them?

Hedo actually improved during training camp while Patterson suffered quite bit. QRich regressed as well during training camp. Patterson will start, but he's not certain to be a long-term option.

Hedo will not get much minutes right now since his defense needs work. I expect QRich to be on the inactive list as the season starts. He's not close to being ready to getting minutes. Long-term we're not sure they will be here after two seasons.

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon: Charlotte Observer; After Big Z signed that deal to attempt to join the Jazz, you were quite adamant in wanting to deal him and how hurt you were in the press. Do you still feel that way after retaining him that you'd still want to deal him in the next offseason?

[78#]

Nick Melon: Charlotte Observer; After Big Z signed that deal to attempt to join the Jazz, you were quite adamant in wanting to deal him and how hurt you were in the press. Do you still feel that way after retaining him that you'd still want to deal him in the next offseason?

Still upset overall. It was a blow for him to try to attempt to sign with Utah after acquiring him as the main piece in the Shaq trade. Frankly, we're stuck with each other this season so we will see how things progress. We expect him to be the face of the franchise, but without the clown paint. We hope having Elden on board will help his development on and off the court. Long-term we hope things will be ok, but you never know with young guys. We did the best we could this offseason to bring in more talent, but we still have ways to go before we can compete with the elite. Its a process for him and our organization. But frankly, he pulled a dick move and now it will take time to heal all the wounds.

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: Looking at your depth chart, it seems as if you traded a low-lotto draft pick for two starters. What led to that decision, and what are you expecting out of Smith and Best, who's back in Houston once more? Are they now a part of the plan, or just temporary filler?

[logpmess]

Do you expect any of your young players to step up in a surprise roll and possibly earn a spot in the rotation?

[78#]

Random Reporter: Looking at your depth chart, it seems as if you traded a low-lotto draft pick for two starters. What led to that decision, and what are you expecting out of Smith and Best, who's back in Houston once more? Are they now a part of the plan, or just temporary filler?

We liked DerMarr Johnson, but since we already drafted two wings, we felt we could move him. We needed more guys who could come in and play right away and we're fortunate to get these two who are good enough to start. We liked Travis when he was here before and regret not re-signing him so we're pleased to have him back. Joe brings alot of athleticism at the position and solid skills. He's definitely our best PF. As far as long-term, we will evaluate how they do since they are signed thru next season.

[78#]

Do you expect any of your young players to step up in a surprise roll and possibly earn a spot in the rotation?

Not at this point other than Joe Smith who's 25 as well as Big Z; Our rookies are far from ready at this point and will only get PT if we have injuries to some of our veterans.

[IamQuailman]

Awarded 5 Points! Thanks for your contribution!