With the news that Yao Ming's foot is not healing on schedule the Houston Rockets' plans are in limbo. They will not know the full extent of Yao's most recent injury until the season is much closer. He still could heal quickly enough to not miss much, if any, of the season but could also be forced into retirement as soon as next year. The Rockets were already making the transition away from Tracy McGrady who looks like he will miss significant time again this season. Last year they made up for injuries to both of these players by adding Ron Artest and taking on a tough, defensive mindset. With Artest being an unrestricted FA even that is in jeopardy. To complicate matters further the Rockets, as currently assembled, are dangerously close to the luxury tax. There is some hope in that the Rockets have upwards of 30 million in expiring contracts. Either way the Rockets have some very tough decisions to make that could significantly alter the direction of their franchise going forward.
Current Roster
- Aaron Brooks/Kyle Lowry
- Tracy McGrady/Jermaine Taylor/Brent Barry
- Shane Battier/Chase Budinger/James White
- Luis Scola/Carl Landry/Chuck Hayes/Brian Cook/Joey Dorsey
- Yao Ming
Salary Cap
- 67 million committed to 14 players assuming Budinger and Taylor make the team
- 31 million committed to 5 players
Expiring Contracts
- Tracy McGrady (23.2)
- Brian Cook (3.5)
- Luis Scola (3.3)
- Chuck Hayes (2.1 - Team Option for 2010)
- Brent Barry (2.0)
- Kyle Lowry (2.0 - Restricted in 2010)
- Joey Dorsey (0.8 - Team Option for 2010)
Players to Re-sign
- Ron Artest
Needs
- Yao to be healthy (McGrady would be an added bonus)
- Another wing if Artest does not re-sign and McGrady is hurt
- Backup Center (Starting center if Yao misses the year)
Great picture of Yao!
ReplyDelete