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Checking in on the standings

rahat huq — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:59:02 +0000

If the playoffs began today, the Rockets would be sitting at sixth and opening up in San Antonio. I think you’ll see the Lakers start climbing a bit with Nash back at the helm while Memphis starts coming back down to earth. It appears that Golden State is legit. At the bottom seeds, things continue to look unclear.

I’m maintaining my earlier prediction that the Rockets will continue to improve as the year progresses. That’s typically been the case over the past few years. And I still believe, while there haven’t been any signs warranting hope, that one of the rookie forwards will break through and contribute. Or perhaps Greg Smith should be considered this year’s breakout ‘rookie’?

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If the playoffs started today

rahat huq — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:53:38 +0000

At the moment, Houston is tied for the 10th best record in the West with Utah, the Lakers, and Dallas all bunched up together at just one game ahead. They’re pretty much right on track for their usual finish at #14.

In all seriousness, after the recent rough stretch, I think things are extremely encouraging. The Rockets, historically, in this decade, have always started slowly and then taken off later on in the year. Add in the fact that they did not have Harden in training camp and at least one of the rookies is bound to break out–as has almost always been the case–and I do think this team will be fighting for a playoff spot come April.

As of now, I see the Spurs, Thunder, Clippers, Nuggets, and Lakers (they’ll get their act together) as locks. After that, it’s everyone else vying for the final three spots. And from those remaining teams, including even Dallas with Dirk, Harden is the single best player and closer, in my opinion giving Houston an edge.

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Marcus Morris has been killing it

rahat huq — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:58:29 +0000

Look at those numbers! The man so many declared a bust last season is shooting 49% overall this year and 40% on threes! Per 36 minutes, he’s averaging 17.3 points and 7.9 boards. At the moment, Morris is far and away this team’s second best offensive weapon.

Also noteworthy is the rebounding rate. Morris is getting 12% of the available rebounds while he’s on the floor. Patrick Patterson is getting 9% of the available rebounds. (By comparison, Omer Asik grabs 20% of available rebounds.) I’m not sure how much value that comparison holds as Patterson shares more court-time with Asik and also plays more against first-stringers…but it’s something to note.

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