Uh-oh. Not sure if you guys heard this, but, one of Yao's comments after practice was that "he couldn't believe how strong kelvin cato is". Hopefully, something was lost in translation.
I believe Cato to be pretty strong. Just b/c we might look at him as lazy doesn't he mean he lacks strength. Yao could also mean that b/c Cato looks lazy he didn't expect him to be that strong (deceptively strong). He does hold his ground, just doesn't know how to position himself defensively.
cato does seem pretty strong i'd be a lot stronger than usual if i were posting up or defending the guy taking my spot on the team too
Anyone can be strong, but in Cato's case, does he have any skills?!?!? I want him to prove to us that he can play when we need him in crucial moments during the game.
I think everybody is going to be strong to Yao his first couple of years. He is going to consistently get pushed around under the basket until he develops more upper body mass and stamina. Then he will be unstopable.
I'm not saying that Yao won't get pushed around...but can we see him play in at least ONE GAME before saying that he can't hold his own? Nobody on this BBS has the foggiest clue as to what Yao is and is not capable of at this very moment.
This is another reason that Cato is a valuable member of the team. He is the perfect guy for Yao Ming to practice against. Cato is stronger, quicker and faster than the average NBA center. (but unfortunately probably the worst hands in the League and some of the worst skills). It is lucky that Ming has Cato to practice against. If you remember some of Eddie's first words on joining the Rockets were that he was impressed by how strong KT was.
Cato IS a big strong guy! Sure he may be unmotivated but he is a big guy. I think having Yao body up with Cato each practice will be great experience for Yao to get ready for other NBA centers. Chris
This was a translation error. He meant he couldn't believe Cato stunk so bad. "So strong" was like a bad smell, like crap. Common error, he'll learn to just tell Cato he stinks...
Cato looks to be in the best shape and does look more bulked this year, so this is not surprising. Quite frankly, Kelvin is a big body and really does not get pushed around in the paint. He is one of the larger big men in the league too, so this is not a surprising statement. Hakeem said the same thing about him. Cato is a perfect body to practice with for him. Kelvin can lean and push him!
Amen! It gets irritating when people think they know something is gonna happen..and then state that opinion as a fact. We DONT know he will..for all you know, them tree trunks that pass as legs may be strong enough to help him keep his position. but Im not gonna state that as fact until I see it in a game...
I think this is simply a combination of two things: 1) Cato got a fat contract, and then became someone who is widely regarded as a bust. Now, Houston has gone absolutely nuts over someone who will take over his position. Cato is GOING to come at him strong. Cato might be a good thing for Yao, but Yao (and all the hoopla surrounding him) WILL be the best thing for Cato. 2) Yao realizes that he's coming in to a less than ideal situation. The city and the owner and the coaching staff have all seemed to welcome him with open arms and excitement, but the welcome from the team seems a little less warm. In fact, it's appeared feigned at times. If ANYONE should feel threatened by Yao though, it shouldn't be Francis--it should be Cato. At least for the immediate future. Surely Yao realizes this, so stroking Cato a little by calling him "strong" is certainly not an unwise comment.
I agree. Yao Ming is a very smart person. He's gonna try to get along with everybody on the team. It certainly does not hurt to say some good things about your teamates.
Look who he has been playing against. Cato is a big SOB, and he is strong. I think the coaches told him to be physical against Yao Ming to help him prepare for the NBA. Cato's game is somewhat physical, and to not let Yao Ming post (which is what they were working on) and take advantage of his height, Cato will be trying to push him out. I think that is an expected comment...
Tim, I'm really curious... any more updates on how the Asian community is responding in terms of concrete ticket purchases now that Yao's in town? My family is actually considering flying in from Cali for a few Rockets games in November... not to mention plans to catch Yao @ Golden State and Sacramento. But we didn't buy any tickets until we were sure he was on the plane to Houston.
The reception from Yao's new teammates isn't so bad. Steve went over to stretch near him, a deliberate attempt to help the guy feel welcome in a strange new environment. Whether Steve was instructed to help Yao feel welcome isn't important but the fact that he's making the effort. It's a natural process for both sides to warm up to one another.
Why would Kelvin Cato's level of strength be a surprise? Have we already forgotten the Cato-mic bomb block on Shaq? Cato is listed as 6'11" / 275. If Cato had the same attitude as Ben Wallace - 6'9" / 240, would a comment about Kelvin's strength be nearly as surprising?
Totally agree. Yao ming's close teammate of China national team, Bateer Mengke is as strong as Cato. Bateer play for Nuggets last year is about 6'11 and 295 lbs.
