I know it was only a preseason game against a Dallas team that didn’t play hardly any of its starters at all, but the way the Rockets looked on Thursday night, it look like it’s going to be a fun season.

The Rockets proved to many people tonight they are absolutely stockpiled with talent. They remind me of recent Dallas teams that had big-name players come off the bench, but maybe even better. And tonight, the Rockets were, cruising against Dallas 104-90.

When you’ve got a lean and motivated Bonzi Wells (11 points on 4-of-7 shooting) being a threat offensively with his impressive array of moves and setting up Yao Ming for easy baskets, and can bring Mike James (17 points, 6-of-9 shooting) and Steve Francis (8 points) off the bench, and where you haven’t even had to factor Tracy McGrady (8 points) into the equation, it’s incredible how unstoppable they could be.

And we haven’t even talked about how much better Luther Head (8 points) is this season, how solid Shane Battier is (14 points on 6-of-9 shooting), how the Rick Adelman offense fits Rafer Alston‘s (6 points) game better, how great of a talent Luis Scola, is, or about Yao’s constant greatness in the middle (19 points, 8-of-11 FGs in 20 minutes).

I watched the game on Thursday night, and I was reminded just how difficult it is to stop Mike James, Francis, and Bonzi when they take it to the hole.

There has been a little bit of hype about how the Rockets could be the most improved team this season. Not only do I believe that, but they could be the best. I know it’s just one game, but I haven’t been this excited about the Rockets’ chances in years.

I hope you haven’t puked yet the way I’m fawning all over this team right now, but it’s rare that I do this, so enjoy it (or deal with it) while it lasts.

This season you’re not going to have to worry too much about a big drop-off in offensive production when the starters go out. The only Rocket fans who might be unhappy this season with the team are those fans who play fantasy leagues and are disappointed how each player, other than Yao, won’t rack up a lot of points for their fantasy teams. That’s how balanced they are.

I also enjoyed watching Yao play in the high post and hit some easy outside jumpers, as pictured below. Every basket won’t be a big chore this season, and he won’t have to worry about his head coach this season getting on his back for taking those shots.

Here are some very encouraging post-game comments regarding Yao’s play:

From Yao: “I felt very comfortable where I was getting on the court and shooting the ball from the paint or out to the perimeter; I felt full confidence. It’s very simple and very easy for me. Now, they can’t just focus on me. I can shoot the ball. I can make a decision. I can pass to the open man. I can set a screen and roll to the basket. I have too many things I can do. I have too many choices.”

From Adelman:“He’s just got to get used to seeing the defense and not see his own cutters. A lot of times he sees the cutter open, but doesn’t view the defenders around him. It’s a matter of having some patience. Don’t be in such a hurry to make a play. It will take some time, but he has all the ability to be a good passer and be a good decision-maker.

“He’s played very well. He’s got a good sense of what we’re doing. There’s a nice mixture of going inside and then taking his outside shot, too. I thought the first quarter, the guys, they were really sharp in practice and that first group were really sharp to start that game.”

From Mavericks center Darvin Ham: “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen that much meat on anybody on the basketball court. What impresses me the most is he is not passive anymore. He takes it right at you and punishes you. He is bringing the fight to the post. If Houston continues to play through him, they will be a very tough team to beat. I was thoroughly impressed by how much he has improved.”

Dallas guard Jason Terry: “I’m out there and I see Mike James and Steve Francis … and I thought, ‘Oh my God, is (Hakeem) Olajuwon going to come back, too.’ ”

I can’t wait until the real games start so I can do some more critical analysis, because right now it’s “all good.”

Jeff Van Who?

For more photos from the game, click here and here.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 18th, 2007 at 11:30 pm and is filed under NBA preseason. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.