Here's what happens in the offseason...

Steve Francis

It's getting old in the mind of the Franchise. He swears to himself that he will lead his team to the playoffs and get them some national respect - THIS SEASON. During the offseason, he works very hard conditioning himself for the long season ahead. He has completely realized what it means to the team that he be completely healthy. Migranes are a thing of the past - the mental exercises have helped more than he ever thought they would. He knew the Rockets were his team...and he knew he had to be there every single game. He works hard with Jim O'Brien on his on-the-ball defense and three-point shooting. Steve organizes Rockets-only scrimmages at Westside and regular team meetings. The Franchise has spoken - his leadership shines in the summertime, making sure his game and the chemistry between his teammates improves.

Cuttino Mobley

The Cat follows the lead of his best friend, working hard with O'Brien with his shooting off the dribble. He knows what the playoffs are like, and during the team meetings he thoroughly explains the difference in atmosphere between an exhibition game and the playoffs. Steve stresses to him a goal he has in mind to be an assist offense; to pass the ball to the open man. He, without Rudy's knowledge, takes the initiative to cut video to pinpoint great plays, great games, mistakes, and examples of what the team needs to do and shy away from. Iso's are not completely gone, but Cuttino knows it can't be the Rocket's game.

Eddie Griffin

Boy, does Eddie go to work! No matter who has perceived what, Eddie still feels snubbed by the NBA after failing to make the rookie team. He pays money to go to a big man camp to work on a post game. He becomes tough by lifting weights and develops a nice, consistant hook shot in the paint. Steve and Cuttino really work with him on ball handling, showing him what needs to be done to elude the defender and take the ball to the rack. Because of his explosive leap, he becomes great at slashing to the hoop and simply flushing the basketball. His back-to-the-basket game improves so much that the BBS starts hearing rumors that Eddie killed Shaq in games at Westside. As the season nears, Eddie's raw game has improved so much that a baffled Rudy T. considers him fit to start at the 4.



Well, the logjam at the power forward finally is addressed. Maurice Taylor is back. Kenny T.'s outstanding play is traded along with Toronto's #14 pick (yes, the Raptors make the playoffs in my fantasy) for the #8 pick in the NBA draft (& a minimum player). So the Rockets have #2 and #8. They pick Quyntel Woods with #2 pick after Ming is #1 and choose Chris Marcus with #8 after he slips with disappointing workouts with lottery teams. The Rockets are positively solid at the 1 (Steve Francis, Moochie Norris), 2 (Cuttino Mobley, Oscar Torres), 3 (Quyntel Woods, WW, Glen Rice), and 4 (Eddie Griffin, Maurice Taylor, Terrance Morris).

The 5 is not as solid, but Chris Marcus starts developing nicely and his conditioning improves. Cato actually worked hard in the offseason and comes back with 4% body fat and lots more muscle. Collier gets his wind as he gets stronger, too.

~~~

Opening night Starting lineup:

Francis
Mobley
Woods
Taylor
Cato

Eddie Griffin gets the same if not a bit more PT than Mo.

Throughout the season, the Rockets stun their opponents, and average 101 ppg while holding opponents to 94. Even Vescey and Walton and a the bigguns talk about the "surprising young Rockets." The Rockets sweep the Jazz and Spurs and split the Lakers and Kings. Dominance over the Leastern conference is identical to that of the '01 season. The Rockets enter the playoffs as the 4 seed behind the Lakers, Kings, and Mavericks.

As for playoff results, check the sig.

 

Oh lord please not Drew Gooden! I can't imagine him in the NBA.

Also, I promise you Shard will stay in Seattle. He knows where the All Star opportunity is - and it's with the Sonics. Once GP leaves, it's his team. Plus, him and D-Mase are real close friends.