At least we only really have about three things to worry about coming into this offseason...

1. Find a backup center (CRITICAL!)
2. Sign or don't sign Artest (depends on how much money he asks for)
3. Sign or don't sign Wafer (won't matter much if White develops)

We have until the trade deadline to move T-Mac and the Rockets are good enough to make the playoffs regardless of whether or not we play him. There is no pressing need to trade the guy unless Houston fans are dumb enough to riot the Rox FO with pitchforks and torches. I say give the guy a chance and if he doesn't hash out, trade his expiring contract before the deadline or continue waiting it out.

We really should be grateful when we compare this offseason to last offseason. Here is what we went through last offseason and looked how we turned out.

1. T-Mac coming off surgery and botching rehab (not working hard enough)
2. Battier coming off surgery and botching rehab (working too hard apparently)
3. Rafer coming off injury suffered during Utah series
4. Yao coming off surgery and playing in the China games
5. Landry was not signed
6. Mutombo was not signed (so no backup center)
7. Continued first round slump

I for one am SO glad that we don't have too many things to worry about and for once can enter the season with a core that is not only intact but proven effective as well.

Also some more things to be grateful about:

1. We now have 2 talented points that will be fighting for the starting position
2. Yao's injury while unfortunate allows him to skip pointless tourneys in the offseason which may very well prove to be a blessing in disguise
3. Scola continues to become better as he adjusts to life in the NBA
4. Landry seems to have gotten his legs and courage back
5. A core team that is scrappy, determined, proud, and plays with heart is entering the season together.
6. Loads and loads of valuable trade assets
7. Morey is still at the helm
8. Les is apparently more than willing to give Morey both leeway and money.

Now I love Yao as much as the next Rocket's fan as the big guy has endured himself to the Rockets with a humbleness, classiness, and work ethic that us fans have not seen from a superstar since the days of Hakeem and Clyde. When you put the big guy next to the likes of T-Mac and Francis, it makes it that much more easy to be appreciative of our gentle golden giant. The guy works hard, averages 20/10, and is never a distraction on or off the court.

However, this leads us to a glaring problem. In the last few seasons, Yao's season has ended prematurely from leg problems of various sorts due to his freakish body size and the latest, yet another fracture, causes us great concern. As lovable as he is, I am above all, a Rockets fan and I want to see the Rockets do what is best for the team rather than see what is best for a player. No matter how good Yao is, missing substantial time each season, is NOT good for the Rockets.

My question to all of you is that if Yao goes down again prematurely in 2009, where do we go in 2010 when his contract is up. Do we still resign him even though he wants a max contract? Should we move on to a less productive but much more consistent player? Look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts!

Basically for any team to win it all, they have to be anchored and united in every sense of the word. Taking a look back at every team that has ever won a championship, we see a very common trend; all of them have had a polarizing force that not only was the focal driving point on offense but the undeniable leader that the rest of the team will follow to the moon without space suits. Some examples are:

- Detroit Bad Boys: Isaiah Thomas was a hard nosed and rugged defender who had firm reigns on the rest of his bully team.

- Chicago Bulls: Jordan led by example and was very outspoken in a positive way. Pushed his entire team past their normal limits through sheer willpower after he embraced he concept of team basketball. He also developed to be a great defender as well.

- Clutch City Rockets: Hakeem Olajuwon was a leader in offense, defense, and the locker room. When the big guy spoke, everyone quieted down to listened.

- Celtics w/ Larry Bird: Not only could the dude shoot lights out from damn near anywhere on the court, he had a no nonsense blue collared worker personality. This guy was disciplined and rugged as well as a great leader

- Lakers w/ Magic: Magic made players better through his court vision and sunny disposition. His presence alone on the court, regardless of position allows every player to play MUCH better than they would anywhere else. People would follow him on the fact alone that if you hung with Magic, you are going to look good on the court.

- Celtics with KG: The guy is passionate, intense, and hard working. He is also very vocal. Every teammate that has played with KG has had no beef with him and every team he plays with seem to play on a higher level. He has always been the heart and soul of every team. Pity the Wolves were so crappy...

Point is, as great a player that Kobe is and as tough as he mentally is, he is just not looking like the type of player that can lead and unite the Lakers as a cohesive championship force. Talent wise, we all know that the Lakers are probably the best and deepest team right now. However, with a history of throwing teammates under the bus and a just recent infant grasp of team play, I really cannot see Kobe taking the team under his wing.

As a Houston fan I would like to thank Portland and all their fans for offering the Rox a great series. Most of you guys have been great and classy. Houston was a bad matchup for Blazers coming in and you guys still made almost every game a nail biter. Good games and best of luck! Your young team has a great future ahead of them, one that any team in the NBA would die to have. Wish us luck against the Fakers!