FanHouse LeslieAlexander

HOUSTON -- Unexpected achievement in the face of incredible adversity isn't quite how the Houston Rockets saw their playoff run unfolding.

But that was certainly the theme that carried the Rockets, minus injured stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, to within one game of reaching the Western Conference finals this season. One amazing night by McGrady or just the presence of aging Dikembe Mutombo in the paint might have been all the Rockets needed to avoid a Game 7 Semifinals in Los Angeles and overcome the Lakers.

It wasn't meant to be, but still it was enough to re-energize a franchise that seemed in serious trouble a few weeks ago because of it's often-injured stars and nondescript supporting cast. The Rockets hadn't been out of the first round of the playoffs in 12 years prior to this season.

Tracy McGrady has been mentioned in trade rumors that last several weeks, but Rockets owner Leslie Alexander revealed Tuesday that the team has decided to take him off the trading block. "You don't get superstars that often," Alexander told Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

That's kind of Alexander to say, but it seems there's another reason why McGrady won't be dealt: ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reported Tuesday evening that McGrady informed him that he'll miss the rest of the season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee. Anyone who saw McGrady get stuffed by the rim on a dunk attempt last week can't possibly be surprised.