Leslie Alexander: Rockets will retire Yao Ming's number

I remember Ralph, he was a legend and his skill level was off the charts.

The thousands of wasted hard drive space of the newbies thinking 'what if yao and tracy' was nothing compared to what if Ralph and Dream.

one duo went to the nba finals. and you know the rest.

Yao gets retired because of his loyalty, good play, and bringing worlds together. And we as Rocket fans, admire the guy.

But skill wise? Ralph Sampson could play point guard better than Jeremy Lin.

 

Just re-watched the '86 WCF and Finals the other week: Sampson was amazing.

If he only had access to today's medical capabilities. And the whole backcourt didn't do blow.

 

Good decision.
He was always the consummate professional, great teammate and great role model. He helped give Houston global notoriety and embodied what the Rockets stood for: hard work, dedication, grit and never quit attitude. There was no better example than the playoff series against LA where he broke his foot, was forced to leave the floor and returned to help his teammates. He truly has the heart of a champion, just not the feet of a champion.

 

I miss you tall fella. Well deserved honor.

 

I think he deserves it.I just wish his government didnt put so much pressure on him and had him playing year round.Maybe he would still be playing.Sometimes i wish he would try it again.He couldve been one of the greats.

 

You was dominant no doubt. That win where he stepped up vs the Lakers when the Rockets were fighting for a playoff spot sticks in my mind. After that he was playing like an mvp until Kurt Thomas crashed into his knee. It was all downhill from there.

I will say if not for injuries and flops from opposing players Yao woulda went down as one of the greatest. I have no doubt Jvg and probably Yao's teammates from that time would agree with me.

I wished they would have installed the anti flopping measures in the nba much earlier.

 

Yao was a hybrid Center. He had that mean midrange jumper that I am sure nobody could stop. For his size he wasnt the best shot blocker but he sure as hell changed a lot of shots. IMHO I am still on the fence about retiring his jersey. Not mad about it though.

 

First of all, go **** yourself.

Second of all, you're right, my favorite player Yao Ming never won MVP's, but we're not comparing Yao to Hakeem we're comparing him to Ralph.

Third, I'm not the one who thinks Karl Malone is better than Hakeem because he won more MVP's.

Yao gets his number retired even if he was black and did nothing for the Rockets internationally, because he actually at an elite level and produced on the court for many years. Ralph Sampson did nothing in the NBA compared to Yao.

 

Troy Daniels posted this video on instagram.... wonder if that's the video we'll play when we retire Yao's jersey number.

<iframe src="//instagram.com/p/qzW0IGJDOg/embed/" width="612" height="710" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>

 

I actually had a dream the other day, that Yao decides to re-join the Rockets with vet min and be the "dikembe mutombo" role. Wat a dream, lol

 

Is he even allowed to post that? Would be awesome if they finally retire his number, we need something to get excited about!

 

I completely agree.

 

Great day for the Houston Rockets!

 

Yao Ming restored Houston's pride, after fighting through pain and injuries. His best game was against the Lakers, when he came out of the tunnel to lead us to a big win. He played at a high level in the latter part of his shortened career. I salute Yao Ming.

 

Nice, I just picked up an all star Yao jersey. Can't wait till it arrives!

 

Yao was an excellent player (truly great if healthy) and an even better human being.

Not sure what the discussion is about.

 

pft....he also said he would get an elite player this offseason....

 

All of you saying that he didn't deserve it are LOH's

 

Anyone arguing against this has truly lost their mind

 

The guy put the health of his foot on the line for his team, the organization, and this city. It would be different if he had a freak accident, but in his case you know he knew his foot was slowly deteriorating, and he still gave it his all for the Rockets. Any person willing to do that, gets a nod from me to be inducted with the team's greats.