Chapter 19: Chapter 19: New Season Begins
As Andrew returned to the Rockets and began preparing for the new season, tensions brewed between Yao Ming and the national basketball team. The team refused to honor Yao's request to participate only in world-class competitions, leading to his heartbreaking decision to withdraw from the World Championships.
Without Yao, the Chinese men's basketball team stumbled through the World Championships held in Japan, suffering a humiliating defeat in all five of their group-stage games, with an average loss margin exceeding 30 points. This catastrophic performance not only secured the worst record in the history of the Championships but also left fans and officials in shock.
Following the disastrous tournament, the director in charge of the basketball management center was swiftly replaced, and the head of the basketball association was forced to resign amid public outcry.
The newly appointed director sought out Yao Ming for a crucial discussion, and after some negotiations, they reached a consensus. The key takeaway was simple: as long as Yao Ming committed to playing in world-class events, all terms would be flexible. As Andrew had pointed out, the Chinese men's basketball team was desperately lacking, but Yao was undeniably irreplaceable.
Though it was regrettable for Yao to miss out on the World Championships, it proved to be a silver lining for the Rockets. This marked Yao Ming's first offseason since joining the team.
Yao and Tracy McGrady, both eager to shake off the injuries that plagued them the previous season, returned to the arena for intense training a month ahead of time.
As players began to filter into the Toyota Center, the Rockets' preseason roster gradually took shape:
Centers: Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo, Chuck Hayes.
Power Forwards: Juwan Howard, Bunge Wells, Paul Millsap, Ryan Bowen.
Small Forwards: Tracy McGrady, Kirk Snyder, Scott Padgett, Steve Novak, Cassie Jacobson.
Shooting Guards: Shane Battier, Luther Head, Vassil Spanoulis.
Point Guards: Rafer Alston, John Lucas III, Jose Barea, Bob Sura.
With a total of 20 players, the final roster would ultimately feature 14, putting immense pressure on the likes of Ryan Bowen, Scott Padgett, Cassie Jacobson, and Jose Barea, all of whom were on non-guaranteed contracts.
The Rockets' first opponent in the preseason was the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Andrew serving as the first assistant coach, much like Thibodeau's role in the summer league, it was Van Gundy who called the shots.
The Timberwolves, led by their post-heavy strategy with stars like Garnett and Mark Blount, presented a formidable challenge. Andrew suggested a faster-paced strategy to exploit their weaknesses, but Van Gundy opted to maintain the existing game plan, allowing Yao and McGrady the freedom to dictate play as they had done the previous season, alternating between inside and outside attacks.
In the first half, the Rockets leveraged their superior talent, gaining the upper hand. However, as the second half unfolded, Garnett intensified his defensive focus on Yao Ming. After several missed attempts, Yao's frustration grew, while McGrady, anxious to make an impact, struggled with his shooting.
Ultimately, the Rockets faced an unexpected defeat, losing the preseason opener 81-90. Notably, Millsap and Novak, who had excelled during the summer league, were deprived of playing time.
The following game against the Detroit Pistons was no better. Faced with a well-rounded opponent, Van Gundy stubbornly adhered to his strategy, resulting in a dismal performance where the team scored fewer than 70 points, suffering a 66-82 loss. This marked a disappointing two-game losing streak in the preseason.
In their third game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Andrew's efforts to maximize Yao and McGrady's abilities fell short again. McGrady, having already logged heavy minutes in previous games, shot only 6 for 23, as the Rockets lost 81-83.
As they faced formidable rivals like the Spurs and Cavaliers, the Rockets continued their downward spiral. Their only victory came against the Hawks, where Barria, a marginal player, stepped up and scored 20 points, securing a much-needed win.
In the final preseason game, weary from the losses, both McGrady and Yao took the night off, allowing Millsap and Novak to seize the opportunity. They contributed 16 and 9 points, respectively, but the team ultimately fell to the Nuggets, led by Anthony, with a score of 77-108.
Thus, the Rockets wrapped up the preseason with a dismal record of 1 win and 6 losses. Despite facing tough opponents, the team's performance left much to be desired, particularly regarding their offense, which had come under heavy criticism in previous years.
Following the preseason, the NBA officially released its power rankings, placing the Rockets at 12th in the Western Conference and 23rd overall in the league. Despite Yao's return to health, the dismal preseason performance fueled pessimism about their prospects.
With the Rockets' losing streak, American media outlets finally had the opportunity to voice their concerns.
"The worst decision of the Rockets' offseason was the firing of former first assistant coach Nick Ward, who was pivotal to their offensive strategy. Without him, the Rockets have stagnated under the new leadership of Andrew, whose impact remains insignificant," one article stated.
"The Rockets' success in the Summer League suggested they had a strong draft vision, resulting in the acquisition of Millsap and Novak. However, these achievements are largely disconnected from Andrew's coaching capabilities," another criticism echoed.
"While one moment of brilliance is commendable, it doesn't withstand the test of time. Perhaps it's time for someone in the Rockets' front office to start worrying," the media warned.
As criticism rained down, not only from journalists but also from within the Rockets' ranks, tension began to simmer.
With only 12 players allowed to participate in the 19-man roster during the preseason, it created an atmosphere of discontent among the role players, especially considering that Yao had to rest for two games. This arrangement felt particularly unjust to those fighting for their positions.
Even before the new season officially began, the Rockets found themselves grappling with both internal turmoil and external pressures.
General Manager Dawson, under mounting stress, expressed his frustration with the management. He did not want to tarnish his career's legacy with such a poor showing, especially with two superstars on the roster.
In light of these challenges, Van Gundy was compelled to convene an internal meeting. The attendees included coaches Van Gundy, Andrew, and Thibodeau, General Manager Dawson, and player representatives McGrady, Yao Ming, and Shane Battier.
Weekly Power Status
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