(17-9): The Rockets went out and made perhaps the boldest move in the offseason in acquiring a perennial All-Star and six time NBA champion in forward Scottie Pippen. Expectations for this team soared, as the addition of Pippen to Charles Barkley and center Hakeem Olajuwon meant that the Rockets could flaunt three of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. 

However, while the frontcourt was the best in the league, questions about the backcourt were often overlooked and/or dismissed. Sure the team had veteran's Brent Price and Matt Maloney, but the team would also be relying on rookie Michael Dickerson to man the two guard spot.

Not surprisingly, the process of getting Pippen worked into the system, the inconsistent play at the guard spots and an injury to Barkley hampered the Rockets early and they struggled to an unimpressive 9-7 record.

However, during this period, Rocket coach Rudy Tomjanovich, second only to Utah coach Jerry Sloan in terms of tenure with his current team, discovered a hidden gem on his roster that may prove to be more important than the wins and losses in the long run.

When Barkley went down, the pressure to step up was placed on the young shoulders of forward Othella Harrington. Harrington not only survived, he thrived, and became a consistent performer, who Rudy T. classified as one of the top per-minute players in the league. Despite only playing 23 minutes per night, Harrington is averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds and is an intense defender. Having him step forward now will prove crucial down the stretch, especially since the veteran frontline will need to rest.

For his part, Pippen finally seems more comfortable in the Rockets system and is again beginning to put up the kind of consistent efforts he was known for in Chicago. And Dickerson has also played well in his rookie campaign, averaging 9.9 points and starting every game. The Rockets have also received a boost from rookie Cuttino Mobley, who is seventh in the NBA among rookies in scoring (9.3 ppg).

Not coincidentally, the Rockets have won six out of their past seven games, and it appears that this sleeping giant is ready to join the league's elite.