Empty the Bench

By Darren Yuvan

In the weeks and days leading up to the start of the 2009–2010 NBA season, the Houston Rockets were left for dead: declared too short, too inexperienced and simply not talented enough to make a run at the postseason. Charles Barkley even predicted the Rockets for the worst record in the Western Conference. And really, when you look at them on paper, who could blame him?

We all know Yao is done until next season, Ron Artest is in Hollywood where his crazy act belongs, Von Wafer bolted for Greece with his feelings hurt and Tracy McGrady may or may not return from microfracture surgery later this year as a semi-useful NBA player. In their wake is a mish-mash of role players, former international stars and baby-faced former college studs who have yet to prove their NBA-worthiness on a grand scale.

But genius GM Daryl Morey seems to have done it again, assembling a team that not only has desire and something to prove, but also real talent and extreme likeability. The Rockets play the game the right way and are the dictionary definition of the classic sports cliché, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” A surprising 3–1 start to the season, with victories over expected Western Conference powers the Portland Trailblazers and the Utah Jazz, have the Rockets in first place in their division at this admittedly infantile stage of the season.

Morey was heavily criticized by many for giving former Lakers role player Trevor Ariza a huge 5-year, $33 million deal in the offseason and letting his lone remaining star, Ron Artest, head to the Lakers for a similar deal in what essentially amounted to an even swap. Ariza is currently averaging 21.3 pts, 3.3 rebs and 3.3 assists per game on 47-percent shooting, including 52 percent from the three-point line. And while his handle sometimes looks suspect, ETB favorite Ariza has taken much better than expected to the increased demands of a primary scorer while still maintaining his customary tough on-the-ball defense, getting two steals a game so far this year.

Meanwhile, Ron Artest is mired in a season-opening slump that has him averaging only 8.7 points per game on 32 percent shooting and is seemingly unsure of himself and his role in the Lake Show. Admittedly, Ron did look a bit more comfortable in the Lakers recent win over Atlanta, scoring 12 points to go along with 7 boards and 4 assists. But the early returns have a huge advantage to Morey, Ariza and the Rockets with this one. We’ll be treated to direct faceoff this Wednesday night, with the Lakers coming to Houston for an early head-to-head battle.

Taking a look at Morey’s other moves, after the jump …

Late last season, Morey traded away starting point guard Rafer Alston, handing the keys to the family ride over to the lightening-fast and talented but also inexperienced Aaron Brooks in the hopes of uncovering the next Tony Parker. The move was criticized by some, as Alston played deep into the postseason with the Orlando Magic, while Brooks was somewhat erratic, alternating nights of amazing postseason play followed by looking every bit the young guard not yet ready for primetime everyone feared he may be in the Rockets bowing out during the second round.

This season, so far, has been a much different story. As Alston toils away in relative obscurity on what looks to be a very bad New Jersey Nets squad, averaging only 8 points and 5 assists on his customary poor shooting (only 40 percent). Meanwhile Aaron Brooks breaks into star status, averaging a whopping 21 points and 8.5 assists per game on 50 percent from the field and looking every bit ready to lead the Rockets further than anyone predicted.

Team captain and ultimate glue guy Shane Battier remains, despite many predicting Morey would trade him away to a supposed contender for younger talent or draft picks, and Battier has responded with his customary floor generalship and ridiculous plus/minus ratings, putting up a + 36 against the Jazz on Monday night. Battier’s leadership skills, preparation and intelligence are so strong he could run for president tomorrow and I’m confident the guy could carry at least Texas and North Carolina (he is a Duke man, after all).

Shane Battier Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Among Morey’s other successes are backup point guard Kyle Lowry, backup center David Andersen and rookie Chase Budinger. All three have been contributing off the bench this season, with Budinger looking like he may be the steal of this year’s draft. The 44th pick plays cool and calm, all the while displaying a sweet shooting touch, range and surprisingly comprehensive understanding of team offensive basketball. Budinger’s putting in 9.3 points per game on 50 percent shooting right now and he looks more comfortable every night.

And let’s not forget Morey’s successes from seasons past that are still impacting this Rockets squad in a positive fashion. Stealing Luis Scola from San Antonio for a second round pick looks better and better every year, while moving up to draft his backup and constant bundle of energy Carl Landry three seasons ago continues to pay dividends as well.

I’m not silly enough to declare the Rockets title contenders this season, even if they do continue their stellar play. But there are several things I am ready to declare: This Rockets team will be one of the best teams to watch this season, despite what the league office thinks (the Rockets received zero network games this year, only a few token NBATV appearances), they will seriously contend for a playoff spot, Daryl Morey is the best GM in the league, hands down, and Charles Barkley has no idea what he’s talking about.

Born in Pittsburgh and currently residing in New York City, Darren Yuvan is a part-time writer, part-time night club disc jockey (vinyl only, please), full-time cog in the corporate machine, both a card-carrying member of Raider Nation and the owner of several Terrible Towels, and has also had a slightly unhealthy man-crush on Hakeem Olajuwon since 1986.