In many ways, the Houston Rockets' 2009-10 season was over before it even began.  After falling to the Lakers in the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals, Yao Ming was pronounced indefinitely unavailable following major foot surgery, Tracy McGrady appeared finished as an impact player, and Ron Artest bolted for the Kobe Show. 

Somehow, the Rockets soldiered on, never counting themselves out of the ultracompetitve race for the playoffs in the brutal West.  Houston fell short of its goal weeks ago, yet the team is still competing.  What's the point?  Why am I watching?  Frankly, it's hard not to.  Here are the top five reasons why I'll watch this team until the bitter end this year, and why you should, too.

5.  The race to a winning season

Daryl Morey tweeted Wednesday that this season, the Rockets have been the best team without an all-star in NBA history.  That may be a matter of opinion, but the Rockets have much to be proud of in any case.  Charles Barkley, among others, picked Houston to be the Western Conference’s worst team this year, but Rick Adelman’s squad battled hard for a playoff spot and continue to play hard even after the playoffs stretched out of their reach.  Thanks especially to a hot start to the season, the Rockets are poised to post a winning record without a single player who has ever participated in All-Star Weekend on its active roster.  Despite major trades, significant injuries, and constant lineup upheaval, Houston never gave up.  With only four games left to play, the Rockets are sure to play to win. 

4.  The backcourt is back

Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin have proven to be a potent duo since the 2010 trade deadline.  In the Rockets’ rout of Utah on Wednesday, each guard scored 28 points.  Brooks is a leading candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award after filling the role of the Rockets’ go-to scorer all year.  After sitting out a few games recently with a shoulder injury, Martin has picked up where he left off, providing the steady scoring punch the Rockets coveted enough to trade Carl Landry.  With Brooks and Martin on the floor, Houston has two players who can score from anywhere on the court.  Imagining this pair playing off of a healthy Yao Ming next season is a tantalizing, to say the least.

3.  The Arizona connection

When rookie Chase Budinger lit up the scoreboard in the summer league, Rockets fans began to wonder if the athletic swingman might make an impact backing up Trevor Ariza.  As the season winds down, Budinger has established himself as a reliable scorer off the bench capable of highlight-reel dunks, another of Daryl Morey’s  second-round steals.  Against Boston last week, Budinger scored a career-high 24 points, hitting six of eight shots behind the arc.  Budinger’s teammate from Arizona, rookie forward Jordan Hill, arrived from New York as part of the Tracy McGrady trade.  The 8^th pick of the 2009 draft, Hill is an intriguing prospect.  He’s only played organized basketball for a few years, but his size, athleticism, and instincts make him a player to watch in the next four games and beyond.   

2.  Scola can’t be stopped

Luis Scola has been the Rockets’ Iron Man this season, playing in all 77 games thus far.  The 6’ 9” forward has been Houston’s top big man with Yao Ming out, playing each game with his trademark hustle and intensity.  Scola chipped in 24 points on Wednesday, scoring with deft post footwork and a reliable 18-foot jumper.  The forward’s minutes have increased significantly since Houston traded Carl Landry to Sacramento, and the shaggy Argentine’s production has risen with his playing time.  On a team often ruined by injuries in the last eight years, watching a player so hardy and consistent night after night is a joy.  After playing 51 minutes in Boston last week, Scola appeared ready to play a second overtime.  “I’m ok,” he said, smiling. “ I’m happy.  We played great.”

1.  Next year

Yao Ming.  Remember him?  No one knows for sure how big an impact Yao Ming will make next season coming off major foot surgery and a long rehab, but it’s certain he’ll make SOME impact.  All year, the Rockets’ greatest weakness has been the absence of a player who commands double teams on the offensive end and an intimidating figure to clog the lane on the defensive end.  A healthy Yao Ming fills both roles.  Houston GM Daryl Morey has constructed the Rockets around the unique presence of Yao Ming, and the team cannot be complete until he returns.  It’s a tantalizing to envision Kevin Martin and Aaron Brooks operating against a defense preoccupied with a 7’6” force.  How many 18-foot jumpers will Luis Scola be open for with Yao on the block down low?  Just for fun, the Rockets will also have a lotto pick to play with over the summer.  Will Daryl Morey draft another complimentary piece, or use the pick as part of a trade package for an all-star?  It’ll be months before we find out how everything will fit together next season, but until then, we can dream.