Basketball Jones

Man, what an off-season. I haven't really watched any basketball over the summer. But I am beginning to get the fever. The new season is only about 4 weeks away. Pre-season is next week as a matter of fact. And this year is going to be tough for me as a fan. I love the Rockets. I love the Mavs. And now that my main man Finley is with the Spurs, I may have to become a Spurs fan too. Its always tough when you favorite players disperse to other teams. Its also tough when they go to other teams you also have an affection for. I loved the Don Nelson Mavs. I think he got too careless the last few years and really just kind of gave up on caring a whole lot. He just wanted to out score everyone. And that makes for some fun basketball during the season but as the Spurs have pointed out year after year, defense wins championships. And Mark Cuban finally got the message and hired a former Spur to help the cause. With that went some favorites of mine. Michael Finley was my guy. I've loved this guys game since he was a rookie in PHX. He's one month younger than me, and as I sit here with my back hurting at the ripe old age of 32 I know that your body stops doing you any favors after about 28. So Mike's not what he once was and Dallas deemed him too expensive to keep around so he moved over to the champion Spurs. Hey no problem.

Now don't get me wrong. I still like the Dirk. I like Devin Harris, and LOVE Josh Howard. What I don't like is the centerpiece of this team, Erick Dampier. He scares me. Maybe if I knew him on a personal level I would have a better understanding of the guy. but as an outsider looking in, he confuses me greatly with his sporadic games of greatness followed by games of just plain sadness. And take note, he's no spring chicken folks. Alas I have hope for the young Mavs, and I hope Devin Harris can take Jason Terry's PG spot and let the Jet do what he does best, shoot and thrash. I will follow them as always this year, but I will be following the Rockets as well. Oh here is Fin and Van Exellent practicing in Spurs training camp. Surreal...



The Rockets had a shitty start last year. After teaming McGrady with Yao everyone thought it was a no-brainer for success. However there are 5 players on a team. Houston had 3. Then mid-season they made some moves. They brought in Bob Sura who turned it around for them. Then Mike James came in and so did Mutumbo, and Juwan Howard. Things got really good really fast to the point when the playoffs started they were hot as hell, and almost took it all away from the Mavs. T-Mac made a dunk so nasty and sick on Shawn Bradley that it has seemingly made him retire. (In Shawn's defense, he was a good shot blocker) So now Mike James is gone for Raefer Alston. Mutombo is back. Juwann is back from heart surgery, We added two big players in Stromille Swift and Derick Anderson. And don't forget we still have Mr. Wesely and Jon Berry. On paper this team looks sweet like last years Mavs team did. And with Yao getting a whole summer of rest and gaining some muscle and conditioning this season has the looks of a classic. And the key T-Mac said he has worked out harder than he ever has before. He says his body is stronger than ever. I look for the Rockets to make a huge splash this year if they stay healthy. The only bad news thus far is that Bob Sura may have damaged his knees to the point where he is considering retirement. That would be sad considering how he much he gave to the team last year.

So yes this year will be tough to take. But I will root for all the Texas teams. But I will take the Rockets when the playoffs start, and I might even wear my Steve Francis Rockets jersey in protest.