He has never won a playoff series. But while pointing out that he remains hungry and often criticized -- he has never been on a team as talented as he believes this Rockets team to be.

He tosses around that reality as if it no longer bothers him to be so identified. Less clear is whether he accepts it, or merely accepts the impermanence of it given his confidence that, this time, he will be there.

Either that, or perhaps he just loves the company. As much as the Rockets have been touted for having put together a roster worthy of championship contention, this is an entire team that can be labeled as McGrady has been.

Yao Ming has never won a playoff series, either. Neither has Shane Battier. Carl Landry. Aaron Brooks. Chuck Hayes. Luis Scola. Early in their careers, none have gone anywhere. Even Ron Artest points out that he only had one season in which his team advanced, 2003-04, when the Pacers reached the Eastern Conference finals.

Rafer Alston advanced that season with Miami, and Brent Barry has championship rings from his years with the Spurs, but that's it for playoff success for every players expected to be in the Rockets rotation.

With a roster that seems to have what it has lacked and needs -- assuming greater durability for its signature stars Yao and McGrady -- that playoff history seems to be at the core of the chances of a team that made moves designed to contend quickly.

The Rockets traded last season's and next season's first round picks to get Artest, who is in the last year of his contract. They signed 36-year-old Brent Barry. They clearly are no longer building slowly.

It can be argued that the Rockets cannot really be considered contenders until they do something in the postseason. McGrady, however, contends they can contend because they have not and want it so desperately.

Which turns out to be more accurate -- assuming improved health -- will be determined next spring.

COACHING STAFF: Head Coach -- Rick Adelman, 17 seasons, 2nd with the Rockets (807-508). Assistants -- Elston Turner, Jack Sikma, T.R. Dunn, R.J. Adelman.

LAST SEASON, REMEMBERED: 55-27 (3rd in the Southwest), lost in playoffs first round.

THIS SEASON, PREDICTED: 58-24 (2nd in Southwest), Conference finals.

POSSIBLE CHANGES, PREDICTED: At this point, given the off-season changes and additions of the past few years, most of the Rockets changes' are more likely to be tinkering. At some point, they could trim enough salary to bring back Dikembe Mutombo. If Aaron Brooks does not hold down the backup point guard spot, they might look for a more veteran point guard as they did last season with the trade deadline deal for Bobby Jackson. Steve Francis will likely want and get more time to determine if he can make it back from his knee condition, but by midseason, if he cannot play, the Rockets would likely want to make a move.