You make very valid points.
Houston does have experience though and have players that know how to overcome adversity (e.g. semis last season) so if they were to grab the 8th seed; it would not be a complete shocker at all. I think it is between the Hornets/Rockets for 8th spot but we will see what happens as the season progresses.
Damn, I agree with you...I wish the Spurs choose Udrih over Vaughan. Beno is younger and better offensively than Vaughan. Oh well, no biggie, haha.