Since the deadline we have played astonishingly well. Surprising given we traded one of our most dynamic scorers and our wing defensive guru, not to mention locker-room leader. A level of chemistry has formed which has surpassed anyone's expectations and it is said chemistry that is wining us games. When taken into account how robbed we got in the Spurs game, it is doubly impressive. Agree or disagree the fact that I can claim zebra interference, with a straight face, at all in that game is impressive.

The biggest division at this point seems to be the argument between playoff contention and draft positioning. Short of a collapse on our part, even if we do not make the playoffs, we will come damn close. It seems a long shot as, Knicks game notwithstanding, memphis is playing extremely well this year and they are the team we need to catch. On the flip side of that coin, if we do not make the playoffs we go late lottery again, probably at 14, and given our selection last year that sounds like a damn good consolation prize.

My question is two-fold, what do yo think our chances are at netting an extended season and should that even be our goal at this point? Either way it goes, at the very least the season seems to be ending in such a way that it will not leave a bad taste in our mouths and a lot to look forward to in the future. 

It should be remembered that a lock-out is looming when contemplating the answers to these questions as i feel that is immensely relevant.

1. The Texans are 3-1 so far with a number of inspired performances including an unforgetable forray in Washington.
2. Rocket Nation gets to savor the palpable tension surround Yao's immenet return (and all the uncertainty/anticipation that entails) for a few more weeks at least.
3. We retained some of all our favorite players with generous, resounding contrcacts (not afraid to show love to those who've proven themselves committed.)
4. We signed Miller and traded for Lee (loved Ariza as much as the next guy, which may not be saying much, but Lee is an unquestionable upgrade due to his higher ceiling and greater hunger/ people really need to see this kid start playing already as alot of the comments i've read about him have been written from grossly uninformed viewpoints, I loved this kid's game since his rookie campaign and y'all will fall in love real quick, watch.
5. 2k11 just dropped today. Thats all i need to say about that, hopefully.
6. Where else but in europe would Beasly lead anyone to beat the Lakers, let alone the walking redundancy that is Kahn's 'Wolves?
7. I get to write in ordered list fashion.
8. We all get to dream about our eventual matchup with the new-look Heat.....and stomping them behind a mesmerizing 24minute performance by Yao.
9. I get to wonder how it was i would ever want dampier on our team so badly.....not a good sign.
10. Lastly, the Texans are doing well (i understand this list has included such things before, in fact it has effectvely become sandwiched between Texans comments......through omnipotent design.
    
    
    

It seems to me that through all the speculation and talk, very few (beyond this blog) have actualy wondered what it would take for the Rockets to acquire Anthony, as if were he offered, it would be a foregone conclusion that we would surrender any and all assets to facilitate a deal. I wonder if such is the case, so i have decided to through a poll out there and see what came of it......have at it