MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Though he had a new, often-confounding injury issue and struggled with his shot as he rarely has in his career, Tracy McGrady's value to the Rockets became as clear as ever. He remained the team's best playmaker and, when Yao Ming went out, was the only Rockets player who could reliably get his own shot or create shots for teammates. Though his seventh playoff appearances ended the way the others had, with a first-round loss, it added to his legacy as one of the top-scoring playoff performers ever. He seemingly grew stronger as the series progressed.

MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER
Still enormously popular in Houston and thought to be in position for a career revival in a homecoming to where his career began as the celebrated "Stevie Franchise," Steve Francis struggled through a second consecutive season limited and then shut down early by knee issues. He had a sensational, throw-back night in closing out a win in Phoenix but struggled to even crack the Rockets rotation. When Rafer Alston was out with a pulled groin, Francis broke down after three games carrying the extra load. He eventually had season-ending surgery and began rehabilitation that he hoped would allow him to revive his career.

FREE AGENT FOCUS
Rookie forward Carl Landry is a restricted free agent but has said he wants to return to the Rockets, and the Rockets have said they want him back and would match any offer he receives as a free agent.

Center Dikembe Mutombo is a free agent and the Rockets would bring him back if he wants to extend his career, but he has said he will again consider retiring in the offseason.

PLAYER NOTES

--F Shane Battier was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. Though he has long been considered one of the league's best defensive players and was fourth in the Defensive Player of the Year balloting last season (third this season) it was his first time on the All-Defensive team.

--F Steve Novak is eligible for the Rockets to pick up his option, though no move has been made yet. The Rockets have typically not made such moves until necessary, so they likely will wait until close to the June 30 deadline. But despite Novak's lack of playing time, the Rockets will likely pick up their option on one more season on his rookie contract.

--G Steve Francis, as promised, exercised his option to return to the Rockets next season. Though he originally signed as a free agent after his release by the Portland Trail Blazers intending to be a free agent again next season, his limited playing time before his season ended with surgery made it more prudent that he stay under contract rather than enter the free agent market.

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