--Though four seasons built around Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady have failed to get the Rockets beyond the playoffs' first round, they plan no changes to the plan.

"What we're going to do is take a step back and evaluate where our roster is at and the decisions we have to make," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. "One thing we know for sure: We will continue our strategy of building around Yao and Tracy."

With so much of the roster built around McGrady's playmaking ability, he would be difficult to replace. Due $43 million over the last two seasons of his contract, it might be impossible to get back anything comparable to what he brings when healthy. The Rockets, however, don't appear interested in trying, anyway.

--After a long and occasional contentious negotiation last summer, second-round pick Carl Landry signed a non-guaranteed, one-year contract that will send him to another offseason of contract negotiations.

He had a strong rookie season, was the hero of Game 3 for his game-saving blocked shot and became a clear part of the Rockets' plans. General manager Daryl Morey said he would match any offer Landry, a restricted free agent, receives.

Either way, this summer's contract talks should be anything but contentious.

"This is where I want to be," Landry said. "I love Houston. It's not my decision. It's the Rockets' decision. Both sides have to agree. But I love Houston. This is home. I hope to be back next year."

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I thought we never had a bunch of guys who played harder, even the championship teams. They never played harder than these guys. Unfortunately, we had no point guard in the second half (Rafer Alston went out with a sprained right ankle) and we didn't have our center (Yao Ming) in the series. I don't want to cry, but I'm crying." -- Leslie Alexander

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