G Aaron Brooks was pushing Rafer Alston for playing time last season when Alston was traded, making Brooks the starter and eventually one of the keys to the Rockets' playoffs success. With less proven scoring around Broooks, the Rockets will count on him to do that more consistently, while becoming more of a playmaker.

G Trevor Ariza emerged through the season and post-season with the Lakers and signed with the Rockets hoping to elevate his game beyond his role-player duties in Los Angeles. The Rockets will give him more freedom to seek his shot and opportunities on the break, but will be happy if he can be the defender and efficient offensive player he was with Los Angeles.

F Shane Battier got off to a slow start while coming back from an ankle injury and struggled with his shot through the season, but he eventually regained his form as one of the NBA's top defensive players. The Rockets will need that from him again, but they will also ask him to look to score more often.

F Luis Scola might have been the Rockets' most consistent player last season and returns after a summer spent leading the Argentina National Team much as he will have to lead the Rockets' in the frontcourt with Yao Ming out. Scola built much of his scoring off the attention Yao drew inside, but he also did not get as many touches in the low blocks as he will now.

C Chuck Hayes, once a starter at power forward, become something of a specialist last season, used to slow high-scoring frontcourt players, but often not playing at all. With Yao out, the Rockets want Hayes to solidify their defense. The Rockets will want him to be more aggressive offensively, but his contributions will largely be on the other end.

ANALYZING KEY RESERVES:

G Kyle Lowry could play along with Aaron Brooks, allowing Brooks to put more emphasis on looking for his shot. Lowry is especially strong in transition, a key to the Rockets' retooled offense.

F Carl Landry could be the Rockets most effective frontcourt option off the bench. They want him to look to score, but also need him to be a more consistent defensive rebounder and defender.

C David Andersen has shown the shooting touch and offensive skills advertised. His playing time might be determined by his ability to adjust defensively to the move to the NBA.

MEDICAL WATCH:

G/F Tracy McGrady (left knee) has been working his way back from microfracture knee surgery, making only brief cameos in practice. He is scheduled for an MRI Nov. 23 before he will be cleared to return to full participation.

C Yao Ming (left foot) is expected to miss the season after extensive surgery to repair a fractured bone and reshape the operation of his foot to remove stress on the area.