Houston Health Trouble Ahead?

by Steve Weinman on Nov 18, 2008 2:15 AM EST in NBA Articles

The Rockets haven't wasted much time getting involved in the injury racket, and last night's game in Oklahoma City didn't help.

Already missing Shane Battier thanks to a preseason ankle problem, the Rockets suffered more serious issues last night when both Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest went to the bench thanks to injury. Artest may have sprained his ankle on a late take to the rim but swore he was fine after the game. McGrady's situation may not be quite as good: He left early in the third quarter after aggravating a problem with his surgically repaired left knee, and he is expected to take an MRI today.

While the Rockets held on to win against a terrible Thunder team, their already sputtering offense could be in a lot of trouble if McGrady misses any significant time, not just because of who won't be on the court but who will be on the court as well.

For all the discussion going into this season about how Ron Artest would take to being the third option on this Houston team, he'll only be elevated in the pecking order if T-Mac is out, and this isn't necessarily a good thing. This is a team whose main problems have been too much isolation basketball and failing to move the ball effectively.

While McGrady and Artest are both high-volume shooters, the former is and has been markedly better throughout his career at distributing the basketball and keeping teammates at least somewhat involved. Artest's tendency is to simply put his head down and go, and giving him a greater share of the reins of the offense with the understanding that the slack needs to be picked up for McGrady probably isn't going to help that.

For the sake of one of the league's most intriguing three-star dynamics, here's hoping for no serious knee trouble for McGrady. It would be nice for the Rockets to have some time to figure things out at full strength.

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I’m amazed that the Rockets have allowed Tracy McGrady to be on the court. He’s clearly nowhere near full health. Maybe 65-70%. He needs to sit down before he does his body more damage and ruin their season entirely.

It won’t hurt the Rockets too much if McGrady misses some time. Having Ron Artest around makes them less vulnerable to injuries than before. Especially when Battier gets back.

Yao is just about fit enough to play but he’s in poor physical shape too. No lift, can’t move his feet nearly as well as in previous years. Some rest would do him good too. It’ll be interesting to watch him over the next 2-3 weeks and see if he’s healing while playing, because the answer so far has been an emphatic “no, he’s not recovering”.

by Who on Nov 18, 2008 3:32 AM EST reply actions

Artest certainly helps carry the scoring load sans T-Mac,

but I’m worried that an offense even more centered on him will only exacerbate the problems the Rockets have had so far at that end of the floor.

Either way, let’s just hope they get healthy so we can see what this team is actually made of.

Thanks as always for writing in, Who.

-sw

Manuel Aristides Ramirez is the greatest hitter I've ever seen.

by Steve Weinman on Nov 18, 2008 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

a good combination in this site is a steve piece and a who reply. i hope that team gets healthy soon and remember yao is not far away from a serious injury from last year. i really like battier’s game and he is a superior james posey.

by nazzbo on Nov 18, 2008 9:06 AM EST reply actions

Thanks, nazzbo

Agreed about the health situation, and I love Battier, too. Solid “glue guy,” comfortable role player, and he has established himself as one of the league’s premier defenders, cementing his reputation with a big season at that end last year.

-sw

Manuel Aristides Ramirez is the greatest hitter I've ever seen.

by Steve Weinman on Nov 18, 2008 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

Why am I not surprised

Tracy McGrady and Yao have been hurt just about every season they have been together. If this team starts to tank due to the dynamic that is involved when combining a semi-soft, oft injured 7’5" giant, a non defensive playing, oft injured scorer, and a nut job waiting to explode, how could anyone be surprised? That they have been able to come out and have won over 60% of their games already is an accomplishment in my book. I just have zero faith that a team containing these three guys is headed anywhere but first round disappointment.

by nickagneta on Nov 18, 2008 9:12 AM EST reply actions

And that's why I think they're so intriguing

Lot of talent but a lot of baggage: I wouldn’t be surprised if they completely melt down as you predict, Nick, and I wouldn’t be all that shocked if they made an appearance in the Finals. I think we’ve got a lot to learn about this team, and I’m curious to see if they can find that perfect storm for one season, hoping of course, that it won’t quite be perfect.

-sw

Manuel Aristides Ramirez is the greatest hitter I've ever seen.

by Steve Weinman on Nov 18, 2008 11:04 AM EST up reply actions