This season and last are going to end up being two forgettable seasons for the Houston Rockets. True, on the one hand we are finally ridding ourselves of Tracy McGrady and (probably) Yao Ming and all of their injury baggage. But at the same time, this could potentially be the first time in a decade that The Rockets miss the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Their name has loosely been attached to Carmelo Anthony rumors, leaving a slight glimmer of hope for Clutch City faithful for the second half of this season. But we all know where Anthony would like to be playing basketball next season. Houston is great and all, but it's not exactly New York City. Now I am not trying to hate on the Houston Rockets. Let's remember that throughout all of my oddball decisions I have made over the years, I have always stayed loyal to the Houston Rockets. With that in mind, I like focusing on the bright spots, even when it seems like they are few and far between. Barring any trades adding significant (Melo) payroll, the Rockets can be under the salary cap after this season for the first time in at least a decade. Aaron Brooks, Chuck Hayes, and Shane Battier will be their only potential free agents worth resigning. This team also features a few great potential young stars in Chase Budinger, Kyle Lowry, Jordan Hill, Patrick Patterson, Terrence Williams, and Luis Scola. Then we have the birthday boy.
Acquired last year in a deal that also brought the Rockets Jordan Hill, Kevin Martin has been the biggest star on the Rockets over the last year. He and Luis Scola have been the two most consistent players on this team in that time.
For the first five years of his career with the Sacramento Kings, Kevin Martin was able to increase his scoring average every season. He peaked in the 2008-09 season, averaging 24.6 points a game. He only played 51 games that season, but 24.6 would have been good for seventh in the league that season. 47 games into this season, Martin is sitting at 11th in the NBA at 23 points per game. He can be a very streaky shooter, as evidenced by his two single digit scoring affairs in January. He shot 6 of 26 from the field in those contests. But when Martin is on, he is simply on. One night after scoring 8 against the Nuggets, Marting scored a season high 45 against the Portland Trail Blazers. A streaky shooter indeed, watch the video below to see all of Martin's 45 points, including six three pointers!
I want to set limits on how excited I get for the potential of the players on the Rockets. Who knows how great this team could have been if Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming were completely healthy in 08-09 and 09-10. At the same time, when they were healthy McGrady would defer to Yao sometimes and Yao did not know how to dominate properly yet. Ok I am already getting off subject. Kevin Martin could be a great fit on this club and I am happy to have him on our team.
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