...great seeing the big guy out there for the first time!

I don't know about anyone else, but the whole idea of actually having Yao out on the court in a Rockets' uni is absolutely awesome. I couldn't stop smiling during the game! This is going to be a fun team to watch down the road. We're young, we're fast, we're big, we're talented, we're....foreign? Well, now we are. That's beside the point. The thing to focus on now is how we gel, or how the players come together as a team. You can already notice how good this team can become, and it all starts with trusts made on the court. Many of the guys already know what each other are capable of, but must still learn the nuances of their new teammates, and vice versa. This is easier said than done, but it really looks like the Rocket vets want to make Yao feel as comfortable as possible, and to take him under their wings (if that is physically possible). It's encouraging to read and see how much attention he's getting from his teammates. It's nice to see Stevie and Cuttino joking with him and giving him hi-fives and the such. I also heard Steve drove Yao to some after practice function so, I assume, they can get to know each other. These kinds of gestures really show how excited the Rockets are to have the new center, and how much they know he can bring to the table. Ming has only been around like two practices and one exhibition, and he already looks and feels like one of the Rockets. That's comforting.

It's also good to see that Yao is having a good time, joking around with the media and his teammates. It shows that he's focussing on the NBA, and not on, like Rudy said, burdening himself with the "weight of the world."

That aside, I really don't care how he played tonight, just that he's here, and that the organization is building something that could be great. Sure, Yao looked a little unsure at times. He was timid at others. It's obvious that he hasn't grasped much of the system, but what do you expect in 2 or 3 days. He showed hustle, he showed attention, he showed vision, he showed athleticism, he showed shot blocking, rebounding, and scoring, and most of all he showed great promise. This guy is a natural, physical freak, with the basketball skills, heart or passion for the game, and saavy to go with it.

Ahhh, the future looks bright. Go Rockets!