The season is still two months away, but most of the rosters are set, barring the requisite Michael Jordan comeback rumor (just kidding, but only a little). We have an idea where our team stands, but we can't really know unless we discuss everyone else. In that spirit, I'm going to throw up a "competition discussion" thread for each of the other 29 teams over the next month or so. We'll go in alphabetical order from A to Z. Today's team: Houston.
Last year's record: 52-30.
Playoffs: Lost to Utah 4-3.
In: Mike James (trade), Luis Scola (trade), Steve Francis (free agent), Aaron Brooks (draft), Jackie Butler (trade), Carl Landry (draft), Justin Reed (trade).
Out: Juwan Howard (trade), Vassilis Spanoulis (trade).
Projected starting lineup: Mike James, Tracy McGrady, Shane Battier, Luis Scola, Yao Ming.
Bench (in no particular order): Steve Francis, Rafer Alston, Aaron Brooks, John Lucas, Luther Head, Kirk Snyder, Bonzi Wells, Steve Novak, Justin Reed, Chuck Hayes, Dikembe Mutumbo, Carl Landry, Jake Tsakalides, Jackie Butler.
So what do we think? On paper, they look good, but can it all come together? Will Rick Adelman make them better? Why do they have four point guards? Why did they sign Steve Francis? Can T-Mac and Yao stay healthy? How well will Luis Scola translate to the NBA game? Will Bonzi Wells contribute? How long will it take for them to mesh?
No analysis now, just a predicted record of 57-25. Discuss.