End of Season ReviewIt's that time of the season. I have a brief analysis of all 14 Rockets players, with their performance throughout the regular season, and their stats. Here we go.
Inactive ListBrad Halstead- Halstead learned a lot his rookie season, especially how to get along with his teammates. With his arrogance out of the way, he is a much more respectable player. He didn't show much promise in the games he did play in the NBA, but what he showed is acceptable. He is a quick 6'9' forward whom, if developed properly, can turn out to be a versatile defender. He needs to work on his jumpshot and turnovers. If he can translate his D-League triple-doubles to the NBA level, he will be one of the greatest draft steals in NBA history.
Gregory Costa- Costa showed he is an automatic draft steal this season. While not the most athletic 7-footer, he has tremendous post moves, and can shoot the ball extremely well. He is also a rebounding machine. As the last pick of the first round in the 2010 NBA Draft, he's shown promise as that of a lottery pick.
BenchJordan Hill- Hill had an excellent season after the All-Star break. He has established a reputation for being an excellent interior defender, blocking shots, and altering inside shots. He has a decent mid-range jumpshot, and is a really explosive face-up forward. He has an excellent future in the NBA.
Jared Jeffries- Jeffries was acquired for his defense. However, he gave more than that. He has a good perimeter jumpshot, and can block shots. An excellent rebounder, the veteran was a solid player throughout the whole season.
Donte Greene- Despite getting shot in the leg by Damon Stoudamire, after his recovery, his scoring average went up. Averaging over five points a game off the bench is an excellent scoring boost for the Rockets. He can posterize you if you're not careful, he is also an excellent backdoor cutter. His strength is to get to the basket, but can also shoot the ball well. He had an all-around great season, hopefully he can play that well, or better, in the playoffs.
Chase Budinger- Bud has established a reputation for being a sharpshooter. He had the highest three-point percentage among the Rockets, but he needs to improve his ball handling abilities, as that led to many turnovers throughout the season. He is not afraid to take the big shot.
Chuck Hayes- The Chuckwagon will never be a scorer. His main role is to defend bigger centers/forwards, and does an excellent job of it. He outhustles, outrebounds, and outplays everyone on defense. With a
weird free throw shooting form, he makes up for it in being a sturdy defender.
Kyle Lowry- Lowry, a tough guard, is a solid backup point guard for Houston. He's not your best shooter, but he can get to the basket with ease. With excellent passing skills, he is a poor man's Derrick Rose (sans extreme athleticism), he can be a matchup nightmare when he has it going.
Ray Allen- Allen was brought to the Rockets for added scoring. He did that well. He still has the right shooting rhythm despite his age. He was usually the only player off the bench to score in double figures, providing K-Mart some excellent backup.
StartersLuis Scola- Scola did not have a very good season. He shot a mdeiocre 45% from the field, and didn't show much consistency in the season. He tended to rely too much on perimeter shooting to get his points. It'd be preferable if he could be more aggressive in the playoffs, he can be very effective when attacking the rim.
Shane Battier- Unlike last year, Battier has been pretty quiet on defense. It may have to do with age, he's not as fast or agile as he used to. It may also have to do with the pressure that he's starting. Still, he can defend pretty well, and is a good option on offense too.
Aaron Brooks- He was quiet this season. Not his best season in terms of scoring, but on defense, he stepped it up a notch. He was able to force turnovers from other point guards, which led to many fast breaks. He will need to be more aggressive in the playoffs to be more effective.
Yao Ming- Although he lost some of his consistency in scoring, he still rebounded the ball well. His shot blocking abilities are still there, too. Yao will have to play like last year's playoffs in order for the Rockets to have a chance at the championship. Twenty plus rebound games would be an excellent start.
Kevin Martin- Consistency. Martin was the most consistent player on this roster all season long. Scoring 28.6 points per contest on a VERY efficient 52% from the field, he is definitely the odds-on favorite for carrying this team to another title. If he can maintain his consistency throughout the playoffs, this may very well end up being a repeat.
Thanks to Houndy for showing me these tables. 
Note: I'm very inept at forcing turnovers in this game, so the SPG averages are extremely low. 
Percentage Leaders-
FT%- Kevin Martin (96%, 460/481), Ray Allen (94%, 133/141), Yao Ming (94%, 313/332), Luis Scola (94%, 82/87), Aaron Brooks (91%, 102/112)
FG%- Yao Ming (57%, 409/724), Kevin Martin (52%, 892/1732), Jared Jeffries (49%, 134/271), Chase Budinger (49%, 172/363), Aaron Brooks (49%, 382/784)
3P%- Chase Budinger (53%, 27/51), Aaron Brooks (48%, 80/168), Shane Battier (44%, 30/69), Kevin Martin (36%, 101/282), Ray Allen (35%, 61/144)
Note: Three-point attempts are low because I tend to stay away from them, don't know why, but I just do.
4-Game Recap is next.
