State of the Cap: Houston Rockets

[headliner]

2006/07 Houston Rockets Payroll: $54.5 million
2006/07 Estimated NBA Salary Cap: $52 million
Roughly: $2.5 million over cap

The Good: Despite being one of the many injured Rockets, Yao Ming's progress took a step forward this season. His points (22.3), rebounds (10.2), and free throw shooting (85%) were all career highs. That is a good sign for the Rockets since Yao is about to begin his five-year, $72 million dollar contract extension. If Yao can recover from foot surgery, he should be one of the top five centers in the league for many years. All the Rockets have to do now is build a team around him.

One of those players is Rafer Alston. He isn't exactly the point guard of the future for this team, but he does give good value for his contract. Alston missed 19 games because of injury and shot the ball very poorly, but he did lead the team in assists with 6.8 per game and was third in scoring. What makes him such a great value is that he has four years left on his contract at an average of less than $5 million each. If Alston can improve his shooting, he can definitely help this team win.

Clarence Weatherspoon, David Wesley, and Vin Baker all come off the salary cap this summer, which saves Houston about $15 million in cap space.

The Bad: What do the Rockets do with Tracy McGrady? The talented scorer played just 47 games due to back problems (never a good sign) and when he did play, he shot a career worst 40% from the field. McGrady's scoring, three-point shooting, and assists were all down compared to recent years. With four years and over $80 million remaining on his contract, the Rockets should be very worried. Without McGrady playing at a high level, it will be nearly impossible for the team to succeed and his injuries and contract make him nearly untradable. Houston can only hope that the time off helped their superstar to heal.

There was a lot of excitement when the Rockets signed Stromile Swift. They thought he would be an athletic presence at forward to compliment Yao. Swift is owed $5.4 and $5.8 million the next two years (with a player option for a third year at $6.2 million). While that isn't a huge contract, the team still expected more than 8.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.

The Future: Because of all the injuries to their star players, the season was a forgettable one in Houston. Even if they can get Yao and McGrady back to full strength next year, their supporting cast needs a lot of work. Rafer Alston is a decent point guard, and Juwan Howard is a decent power forward, but the Rockets need more out of the rest of the team. Rookie Luther Head had some good games, though he needs to work on that 40% shooting. David Wesley shot poorly and doesn't appear to have much left in the tank. Houston needs to gather a new cast of role players with no cap room to spare.

One way they will add some talent is with the 8th pick in the upcoming draft. An upgrade to pretty much any position will do them some good. A point guard prospect for the future, a young, active power forward, or a versatile swingman could all help this team. A trade or mid-level exception is always in the mix as well, though they don't have any expiring contracts to use as bait in a trade. However they do it, Ming and McGrady need help and they need it now.

Bonus Points? for locking up Yao Ming long-term. The Chinese center is the future of this team. Whether Tracy McGrady is, or should be, part of that future remains to be seen.

Grade: C-[/b]

http://www.nbadraft.net/2006stateofthecaphouston001.asp

[DTP]

I felt so bad for the Rockets last year, they just couldnt stay healthy. I hope T-Mac and Yoa can come back healthy and really turn it on next season because I know they're way better than what we saw from them this year.

[Stealth]

I bet Rocket management feel like idiots getting rid of Mike James for Alston. Right now James is a more pure PG than Rafer imo.

[Pioneer]

I bet Rocket management feel like idiots getting rid of Mike James for Alston. Right now James is a more pure PG than Rafer imo.[/b]

You're kidding. James is way more a shoot-first player than pass-first player. Alston is the reverse.

[Stealth]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pioneer @ Jun 8 2006, 09:43 AM) [snapback]391[/snapback]</div>

You're kidding. James is way more a shoot-first player than pass-first player. Alston is the reverse.
[/b]

I guess what i meant by that was James is the better PG between the 2. "Pure" was the wrong word to use.

[Pioneer]

I guess what i meant by that was James is the better PG between the 2. "Pure" was the wrong word to use.[/b]

That's debatable. Almost all Raptors fans say that he is too shot-happy, and I'm inclined to agree. Unfortunately, at the moment, Alston can't hit anything. I would say it's still an even deal.

[The White T-mac]

Skip To My Lou has some of the best handles in the NBA. And its even cools cuz hes autisitc. Thats hott.