http://www.nba.com/features/player_rankings.html didn't see this posted. the feature is on yao, and tracy has also moved up to #4.
SECAUCUS, N.J., March 6, 2007 -- Rewind back to Dec. 23, the day when Yao Ming broke the bone under his knee and brought an abrupt end to what was supposed to be a run at the championship for the Rockets. Now fast forward 32 games. Houston is still mentioned in any conversation about title contenders and on Monday night, Yao took the floor for the first time in 2007 for the Rockets game against the Cavaliers. If this were an ABC after school special (Am I dating myself?), Yao would have erupted for 30-something points, pulled down 20-something rebounds and made a game-saving shot block in a Houston win. In reality, he put up a more-than-respectable stat line of 16 points and 11 rebounds, but the Rockets lost. Not bad for a guy who has practiced just once since recovering from the injury. Yao wore a black brace on his right knee and looked a little sluggish at times. Still, his performance gave Houston fans plenty of reasons to cheer. In 27 minutes, he went 5-for-15 from the floor, 6-for-8 from the foul line, had six offensive boards and blocked two shots. Plus, the Rockets are no longer counting on him to regain the form that had him ranked as high as third in the Race to the MVP in December. As we've seen over the past few weeks, that is Tracy McGrady's job now. With Yao back on the floor, McGrady still got enough touches to hoist up 32 shot attempts (making 10). Are the West's big three of Dallas, Phoenix and San Antonio shaking in their boots after watching Yao's first game back? Not exactly. Of course, that could change once the big fella gets his wind back. -now thats just wonderful
im sorry but like gundy said if yao keeps averaging 4 turnovers a game then we'll never have an offensive rhythm like before
TMac's greatness with the ball can't be denied, but this team won't go anywhere if his shooting doesn't improve. It's great to score 13 in 35, but it flat out sucks if you're going to shoot 10 of 32. Here's your wakeup call : Since Feb. 9, TMac's shooting percentage is about the same as Rafer's - 41% vs. 39%.
I would rather have a Yao TO than a Head or Alston TO. By the way, some of his TOs are noncalled fouls, and some else should attribute to a bad pass. Gundy is not always right. The big guy had one practice and he faced heavy traffic like he wasn't injuried at all, JVG wanted him find his form in one game and wasn't thrilled about his TOs? And you agree with JVG?
look who dropped...arenas hasn't been playing well last couple weeks...and cavs arent really terrorizing the league
even you have the "offensive rhythm", you cna't outrun phenix and dallas. So be it, slow down, fight in the mud, let your superstar win the games. That's what in the first champaign Houstons and Nicks did.
What, do you want JVG do be happy about a performance where we were out of sync and pretty much played sluggish basketball for 3 quarters? I personally am fine with the way coach reacted.....he said that Yao has a lot to work on, but at the same time, he knows that he isn't going to be back in his groove after the first game. It's the coach's job to keep the team at an even keel.....he wasn't criticizing Yao for being rusty, he was telling the media what Yao needs to work on for the next month so he can get back to his MVP level of play. Yao does not need to be cottled, he's probably one of the most competitive people on the team. If JVG only showered him with praise after that game, Yao himself would not have liked it. It was a fact that Yao went back to his old ways of holding the ball too low, and reacting to the double team too slowly. It's something, that if he doesn't remedy it soon, will hamper his development. That's what JVG was pointing out.