So after a disappointing yet competitive 4-1 series loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Rockets can go into the offseason satisfied with their effort yet wanting more and more of the postseason feel. This series severely exploited the Rockets' weaknesses, which is expected. So what do yall think the Rockets need to do this summer in order to come back stronger and better next season? Here are my thoughts and ideas: * Steve Francis stays- Francis proved this series that he is the PG we need for the Rockets. His athleticism and scoring ability at the position hurt the Lakers, and he showed great progress as a playmaker and defender this season in adapting to JVG's system...The Rockets have arguably the most athletic and talented backcourts in Mobley and Francis... * Power Forward- The Rockets will be in the hunt for a legit power forward this season to complement Yao. While Cato played admirably defensively, he was literally nonexistant offensively and often hurt the Rockets at that end. They need to trade/sign a veteran PF who can score down low and rebound effectively in order to contend with the other PFs in the West * Backup Scoring Guard- The Rockets' bench was also nonexistant this series, as Van Gundy was forced to play his starters a great amount of minutes, which often resulted in weary legs and shots at the end of games...Mo Taylor is the only reliable and consistent player off the bench for Houston, and backcourt depth is severly needed...Not only depth, but a reliable, scoring guard who can help ease this team's offensive inaadequacies... I'll think of more, but let's get ideas flowing and possibly even trade ideas (LEGIT ones people-no Cato for McGrady ramblings ) so that we can see our team better than ever next season...
The first priorities will be to get a scoring PF who can play nasty defense as well. Of course, the best choice among FA's will be Rasheed Wallace and Kenyon Martin. I think we could pull off a sign and trade with Detroit with Taylor or Cato to the Pistons for Sheed. I'd also say keep Francis and see what Yao and Francis could do together. Give them one more chance. Jim Jackson will be aging and might not be able to play 40+ minutes per game next season. We have to work on developing Bostjan Nachbar so that he can play a bigger role next season and keep Jackson's legs fresh down the stretch. We'd need his clutch shooting. Bench strength will also need a boost. We can look to pick up a good rookie scoring guard, someone in the mold of Hakim Warrick or Josh Childress. A junior or senior should be the preferred picks as we need the maturity from that rookie to be able to contribute for us right away. If our first and second rounders can turn out to be like Marquis Daniels and Josh Howard for the Mavs this season, consider the draft to have been a successful one.
