At practice, I couldn't believe what I saw. Morey has assembled an incredible group of basketball players and a strong steady coaching staff. I got even more excited watching them run the court. They were so under control and so cool. Nobody was a jerk. It was just a whole lot of hard working millionaires knowing they have the talent to win a title.

McGrady was watching the back half of the session after working the first part. He's doing what he needs to do to get ready and Shane Battier was sitting next to him with a strained foot. But on the court, big Yao looked strong and so did Ron Artest. They are all-stars! Luis Scola is a beast with Chuck Hayes, Carl Landry and rookie Joey Dorsey not far behind. Add to that newcomer Brent Barry and I found myself thinking, this group is good. Luther Head and Aaron Brooks add depth but here is what I realized. This team has so many combinations it can throw on the court but the key to the season rests on the shoulders of point guard Rafer Alston. Yes you heard me, Rafer Alston.

Raf had his best overall season in the NBA last year in my eyes. He didn't say much as he played stifling defense and ran the offense beautifully. His effort was magnificent during the 22 game winning streak and his injury in the playoffs killed any chances of this team moving to the second round.

Think about opposing teams. When they play the Rockets and see Yao, T-Mac, Artest and the rest, who are they going to make beat them. It will come down to Rafer. No matter how well he played last season, he's the guy this year that is going to have to make the pressure 3 pointer or get the key steal. Everyone else will get double teamed. It's going to be his show. But the thing I love about him, he knows it. He's tough inside and out. The Rockets have got the right player leading this team. His BITE is a lot bigger than his bark!