ElGrandeQueso, Why do you hate Ming? Did he do something that offended you? And where did you get that "reality" from? Wang is older and played for a better team. Wang was the best player in China back then. Ming was what, 18? Ming carried his team on his back. Wang I think is 4 or 5 years older than Ming. Do you think Wang is going to "school" Ming NOW?? I don't think so. And where did you get that Danny Fortson comparison? They have different games. Danny is a rebounder who sometimes scores. Wang, if given the chance, and he wasn't because his defense wasn't strong, is a scorer with range. And And Shaq thinks everyone is an high school player compared to him (and yes, everyone else is playing like a high school player when playing him), maybe except Divac. And what's wrong with playing for the National team? It's practices everyday and getting phyiscally fit. That's even better than just hanging around till training camp. And it's great to have exposure to other NBA players at the world championships. Do you thing any of the Team USA players are going to just go through the motions like a pre-season game? Heck No. Team USA "MUST" win and that means it's almost playoff intensity from an "near allstar" USA Team against Ming. I would think this is great experience for him. And injuries are part of the price for players. Was Mo T's ACL "just waiting to happen" when he was trying to improve his game? Or Steve's migraines? And I'm not a betting type and I don't drink. But I would say Ming will be great and will help the Rockets.
Verbatim-- That was the most misinformed post I have ever read in my life. The fact that you think the World Championships will bring about the best in Team USA tells me that you have never seen them play international ball. Playoff atmosphere? You've got to be kidding me. If I recall correctly, the US had to go down to the wire just to barely beat a weak Lithuanian team. The US typically tries the least hard of any team but ends up winning purely due to skill. Also, ZhiZhi Wang is only 3 years older than Ming. That's not significant enough to make an excuse on Yao's part, Wang was 24 and Ming was 21 at the time of the tooling. And about playing all summer not effecting Yao's stamina, you're out of your mind. How can you not understand that an entire season with the Shanghai Sharks then the whole summer playing for the Chinese National team will wear Yao out? That's equivalent to an NBA player playing a 164 game season. It will cause Yao to become extremely exhausted early in the season and will not maybe, but DEFINITELY effect his performance. I've had enough of telling people why Yao won't be good, now you can just see for yourselves.
There is no doubt that I'm jumping on the Yao Ming bandwagon. I think he's going to be awesome. If he adds more upper body strength then there is no telling how good he will be.
