wow

[Cannon Shell]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F43mN...layer_embedded

[King Glorious]

It's interesting how good the Rockets' role players are and how good their coach is. Remember last year when they lost Ming during that winning streak and still ended up winning something like 10-12 more in a row? This year, they lose McGrady and don't miss a beat. They are very well coached and the guys know their roles. They key, I think, is that nobody tries to step in and fill the role McGrady left. Also, the team plays with more cohesion once he's not in the game. The ball doesn't stop as often and the offense is much more free-flowing. It's also correct that Artest handles the #2 role better than McGrady does.

To say whether they are better with or without McGrady is difficult. They probably get just as far in the playoffs in either scenario. I think that they might be a better regular season team without him. But in the playoffs, he'd help them big time. When you are playing a team 4-7 games in a row, all of the scouting will be done. Teams know what you want to run and know defensively how to take that away from you. What you really need is a guy that can create his own shot and that draws attention. McGrady is the only guy they have that can do that consistently.

I think that the rap he's taken over his career has been unfair. When healthy, he's been one of the best all-around offensive players we've seen in the last decade. I feel like he's right on par with guys like Wade and Bryant when it comes to his ability to score, rebound, pass, and lead an offense. It's just unfortunate that he's so damn brittle and seemingly a little mentally weak.