Fitting the Pieces

Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer
HOUSTON -- Since the franchise entered the off-season in April, the Rockets have regained two healthy superstars and added nearly a half-dozen pieces to their roster.

How will all those pieces fit?

The Rockets will begin answering that question -- and more -- on Tuesday when training camp opens in Houston.

Houston's season will once again largely hinge on the health of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, but the addition of players like Shane Battier, Kirk Snyder and Vassilis Spanoulis are expected to boost the team's perimeter shooting and defense.

What remains to be seen is how the Rockets will divide minutes among several key players and who will make the team's final cut.

Here are the five most intriguing story lines to keep an eye on heading into training camp:

Feeling Good: Despite adding several key players, the Rockets' success still rests on the health of Yao and McGrady. The Rockets were 21-10 last season when both players were on the floor and should be a 50-win team this season if both remain healthy. Both appear to be heading into camp healthy. Yao (toe) looked solid in last month's FIBA World Championships in Japan and McGrady (back) hasn't had any setbacks this summer. Will the duo remain healthy? Stay tuned.

Aligning the Stars: After last season's 34-win campaign, the Rockets went into the off-season seeking consistent perimeter shooters and hard-nosed defenders. Enter Battier. The small forward is considered one of the game's top defenders and he knocked down 48.8 percent of shots last season with Memphis, including 39.4 percent of his three-point attempts. He is the kind of player who will make defenses pay for doubling Yao or McGrady.

Now the question is how Battier will fit into Houston's lineup. Battier and McGrady are both small forwards with the flexibility to play other positions, but moving either player will reduce the projected minutes of another player on the roster. Will that player be Snyder? Luther Head? Or Juwan Howard?

The Rockets must assess in camp whether it makes more sense to increase McGrady's minutes at shooting guard or Battier's time at power forward.

Who's the 2: Since McGrady could remain at small forward, Head and Snyder could potentially enter training camp battling for a starting spot.

Head and Snyder, who was a part-time starter with the Hornets, had nearly identical numbers last season. Head averaged 8.8 points per game on 40.3 percent shooting and Snyder averaged 8.0 points on 45.3 percent shooting.

The Rockets could fill this role by committee if neither emerges, but ideally one will earn the job in camp.

McGrady's possible move to the starting backcourt could make this discussion a moot point, but, even in that scenario, it's clear these two guys are competing for minutes.

Got Range: Since most teams are doubling McGrady and Yao, the Rockets have been desperately seeking perimeter shooters who can take advantage of getting open looks.

Houston was lacking in that area last season, finishing next to last in the NBA in field goal percentage.

Nearly six months later, the Rockets believe they are better off in that department. Battier is clearly a reliable option and adding three-point specialists like Steve Novak and Casey Jacobsen doesn't hurt. Houston will also be hoping for steady shooting from Snyder and Head.

Who makes the team: Kelenna Azubuike? Casey Jacobsen? Matt Haryasz? The choice will clearly come down to what the Rockets need most: depth on the front line, perimeter shooting or athleticism.