October 11

By: The Cat

	Vital Facts
	Position: Shooting Guard College: Rhode Island Birthdate: 9/1/74 Height: 6-4 Acquired: Drafted by the Rockets on June 24, 1998 with the 41st pick. Contract Info: Signed for 6 years for $31 million, starting in the 2000-2001 season.

1999-2000 Stats

15.8 points per game
43% field goal shooting
2.6 assists per game
3.6 rebounds per game
35.6% three point shooting


Career Highlights

Points: 35, April 16, 2000 vs. Sonics
Assists: 11, December 30, 1999 vs. Clippers
Rebounds: 9, April 16, 2000 vs. Sonics
Steals: 4 (four times)
Minutes: 46, April 16, 2000 vs. Sonics

Sixth Man Extraordinaire

Mobley has played two seasons so far with the Rockets. He was drafted with the 41st pick in the 2nd round of the 1998 draft, and was the starting point guard for the Rockets in his rookie season. After the trade for Steve Francis, Mobley made the shift back to his natural position of shooting guard, and became the highest scoring 6th man in the league averaging almost 16 points a game. While his defense at times has been suspect, he is essential to the Rockets' success. By far, the most common play the Rockets ran last season was the Iso-5, where they isolated Mobley and let him work on his defender one on one. With arguably the quickest first step in the league, Mobley succeeded many times in either scoring or finding a wide open teammate. His chemistry with the team, and particularly Francis, is absolutely magnificent, and other than Francis he may be the most important player to the Rockets.

2000-2001 Prognosis

This summer Mobley came near leaving the Rockets. As a free agent, Toronto tried to sway him away, offering more money and of course the chance to play with his friend and superstar Vince Carter. But in the end, it was his ties to Francis and the Rockets that made him decide to stay in Houston for 6 more years, and for less money than Toronto offered as well.

Mobley should continue his growth entering his 3rd season in the league. He has diligently worked on his defense all summer long, and also is said to have improved his shooting. Adding that to the man with the self proclaimed "quickest first step in the league" and combined with Francis the Rockets may have a lethal combination. With Taylor and the other scoring options the Rockets have, Mobley may not improve his numbers very much, as there will be less shots to go around. But make no mistake- he should get better and better, and is an integral part of the Rockets future. Do not be surprised to see Mobley win the 6th Man of the Year award this year, and he just may help carry his team to the playoffs along with it.