Signing Stromile is Good, but...

August 5, 2005

The Houston Rockets are the second-best team in the NBA's Western Conference -- right now. Granted, I'm placing the Rockets so high on the ladder because of defections in Dallas (Michael Finley will no longer be a Mav either by trade or the NBA's new "amnesty clause"), Seattle (center Jerome James and guard Antonio Daniels left Seattle via free agency), and, in Phoenix (guard Quentin Richardson was traded and, assuming the mess that is the Atlanta Hawks' front office is resolved, swingman Joe Johnson will be gone also). But, nevertheless, the Rockets are currently number two behind the NBA Champions San Antonio Spurs. Imagine that: the Rockets are the second-best team in the West; but, they're still not the best team in the state of Texas. Houston's signing of free agent big man Stromile Swift is a positive; but, the Rockets still have questions which I believe they need to answer before Rockets' fans get swept away in a wave of euphoria and championship aspirations.

First of all, though he's extremely talented, Stromile has to prove himself in the NBA. Sure, Stro's an excellent leaper; a good shot blocker; and a great finisher on the fast break and around the basket; but, what has he accomplished in the NBA to convince people he's ready to be a solid contributor for the Rockets game in and game out? Not one thing.

To his credit, Stromile admits the time is now for him to establish himself as a legitimate NBA basketball player. Therefore, we will have to wait a few months to see how Stro reacts to the "tough love" of Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy plus the internal pressure from new teammate Tracy McGrady to "bring it" every game. Playing with McGrady and Yao Ming could prove very beneficial to Swift; but, regardless of all of the numerous open shots and putback dunk opportunities he'll receive as a result of double-teams on T-Mac and Yao, Stromile Swift will still have to produce positive numbers on a consistent basis. To have talent is one thing; but, to utilize that talent requires hard work; a great work ethic; and a "will to succeed" which some people believe Stromile lacks.

Next, let's look at the Rockets' roster. The core of the club is superb: T-Mac is 26 years of age and Yao Ming turns 25 next month. Add Swift to that duo, and the Rockets have three players not older than 26. Rookie guard Luther Head is just 22 until November; but, I doubt Luther will see a lot of minutes this season. Consequently, four of the Rockets are under 26 years of age which makes for a young, promising future. However, the rest of the team is old. By old, I mean nine are at least 30 years old: Vin Baker, 33; Ryan Bowen (30); Juwan Howard, 32; Moochie Norris, 32; Bob Sura, 32; Charlie Ward, 34; David Wesley, 34; and Clarence Weatherspoon, 34. (Mike James is the youngster of the group because he turned 30 in June.) Ward, Wesley, and Spoon each turn 35 later this year. Assuming the Rockets re-sign free agents Jon Barry (36) and Dikembe Mutombo (39), eleven of the Rockets 15 players would be at least 30 years of age. If Nick Van Exel signs with the Rockets, he'll make 12 out of 16 over 30.

Of this 30 plus group, only Mike James would be considered quick or athletic. After the Rockets were eliminated by Dallas in the 2005 NBA Playoffs, JVG and Rockets management said they want the team to get more athletic. Well, acquiring Swift and Luther Head is a step in the right direction; but, the Rockets still have a lot of room to improve their athleticism without question.