Author: John Paulsen (Page 759 of 937)

Houston started the season with two wins on the road. They survived 45 points from Kobe Bryant – 18 in the fourth quarter – to beat the Lakers on Tuesday and then traveled to Utah and beat the Jazz in an impressive 106-95 win.

New head coach Rick Adelmen has brought some freshness to the offensive attack and the Rockets are running the ball more than they did last season. They’re not trying to emulate the Suns, but with Tracy McGrady’s athleticism, it would be a waste not to let him get out and go once in a while.

How far the Rockets can go probably depends on the play at point guard. Right now, Rafer Alston and Mike James are getting most of the minutes (sometimes they’re both on the court with McGrady at small forward). So far, James is playing better (14 points on 50% shooting). With his speed, he can really make things happen.

I don’t think the Rockets are ready to challenge San Antonio, Phoenix or Dallas in the West, but yesterday’s win in Utah is proof that they are up to the task against the Jazz.

The NBA season has begun and these three players have jumped out to good starts. Give ’em a look if your team needs help.

John Salmons, Kings
With Mike Bibby out for 10-12 weeks after undergoing hand surgery, John Salmons figures to get a ton of minutes at the point. In the Kings’ opener against the Hornets, he scored 22 points, dropped nine dimes and had three steals in 44 minutes. Sacramento isn’t going to be any good, but Salmons should post good numbers across the board, and since Salmons played 40+ in the opener, it’s clear that the team intends to use him.

Ronnie Brewer, Jazz
Utah needs a shooting guard to step up, and it already looks like Brewer has. In the first two games of the season, he’s averaging 15.5 points, 2.0 assists and 3.5 steals per game. Most importantly, Jerry Sloan is finally giving him consistent minutes (27.0 per game). I’d like to see that number over 30, but either way, Brewer looks like a nice pickup for those in need of points and steals.

Damien Wilkins, Sonics
With the departure of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, there are a lot of minutes to be had in Seattle. Kevin Durant is going to eat up a lot of them, but Wilkins’ first two games – 16.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists – are nothing to sneeze at. With little competition, Wilkins figures to get a ton of minutes at shooting guard.

Greg Oden may be out for the year but in my latest column, I discuss several NBA rookies who should make a splash this season, led by Seattle’s Kevin Durant and Atlanta’s Al Horford. Speaking of making a splash, the Lakers really need to consider dealing Kobe Bryant to a division foe.