THE NEW ROCKETS

Two games into the preseason with a new-look basketball team is not the time to pass judgements. But hey, that's what we're here for. The Rockets have beaten the Spurs, without Duncan and Parker. They have beaten the Celtics with everyone. They ran against the Spurs until the Spurs put 6-6, 240 pound DeJuan Blair on the floor. Blair proceeded to grab 19 rebounds and suddenly the running game that looked so promising in the first quarter, disappeared. Rebounding may be the key to whatever success the Rockets are fated to achieve. To run you have to grab the other team's misses. Quickness is their greatest asset so if they can't run, they're in trouble. Rookie Chase Budinger can shoot and he needs to see the basketball...alot. Trevor Ariza can't shoot...so far. 4 of 19 from the field as they head to Orlando tomorrow night.

Tim Melton