Houston Rockets 2006 Draft Preview

McGrady was hampered by back problems and played in just 47 games. He averaged 24.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists when he was on the court.

Yao missed 25 games during the 2005-06 campaign. The 7-6 center contributed 22.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in the 57 contests he participated in.

Guards Rafer Alston, Luther Head, David Wesley and forwards Juwan Howard and Stromile Swift makeup McGrady and Yao’s main supporting cast. Alston averaged 12.3 points and a team-best 6.7 assists in 63 games, while Howard netted 11.8 and pulled down 6.7 boards per game.

The Rockets need a point guard who can control the temp of the game and run the offense. They have the eighth overall pick and would love to have the opportunity to select Villanova’s Randy Foye or Connecticut’s Marcus Williams.

Even though Houston had a poor season, it does not need to overhaul its roster. If McGrady and Yao are both healthy the Rockets are a playoff team. A strong pick could go a long way for this franchise.

Key Player(s): Rafer Alston (Guard), Luther Head (Guard), Juwan Howard (Forward), Tracy McGrady (Forward/Guard), Stromile Swift (Forward), David Wesley (Guard), Yao Ming (Center).

Team Needs: A point guard.

Draft picks: 1st round (8th overall), 2nd round (32nd overall).