We all have figured out that Yao is NOT the number one option on this team anymore. But is Yao even option number two? Yao's minutes get absorbed by Dike and anyone else. Sometimes due to foul trouble, sometimes not (last night) Has Yao fallen out of favor with JVG? Is this the best we will ever get with YAO? Its hard to tell. Yao seems lost, willing to accept his role as a Role player in this teams offense. I think for the Rox to become the next level of team through the years - a multiple champion - that Yao has to step up. Or the Rox will be on a level of say the Sacremento Kings and Dallas Mavs the last few years. Teams that could of been champions, but never reached the next level.
Am I the only one who thinks that Yao's decrease in minutes has more to do with saving energy for the playoffs than anything else? Yao has had a history of running out of gas at this time of the year. Frankly, I think it's a smart move by JVG to let Yao rest as much as possible before the end up April.
Yao better get more shots setup from his team. If he becomes unhappy, Yao will want to play elsewhere. He is just not getting enough shots, for a 60% shooter, we should go to Yao more often. Seems like sura never like going to Yao, alot of time he has position and never get the ball, he has to run from one side to another trying to get attention and still end up empty handed.
The really sad thing I think about is I believe Yao is perfectly happy being an 18 and 8 guy or even something less, (possibly for the rest of his career) which is pathetic. Ming has no heart or desire to assume more responsibility. He is perfectly content with making no waves and going with a subordiante role even if it's to the point of being a shadow and nonfactor on the team. Count how many games this season when we were playing well -particularly the last few weeks with the exception of the Phoenix game his role in the offense when the team makes a major run has been to the degree of sitting on the bench. The thing that is suppose to seperate us from teams like Seattle and Phoenix is the supposed "Inside game" but when Ming averages 12 and 6 or something just how much of a difference does that really make? Deke can do somthing in the playoffs but not that much or he would have carried a team to a near title in his prime. Those kind of numbers don't approach the impact that Duncan and Shaq can bring to the post season. Yao may never reach Duncan or Shaq's inside game impact in the post season but he needs to come as close as possible for the Rox to have a chance not to just do well in the playoffs but to "win" a championship. Having long stretches in the game and in consecutive weeks where the team actually produces better results when he sits on the bench is sad and the sadder thing is I don't think one way or another Yao gives a shiit.
He's a team player, they're winning. I think his contribution defensively is more important than anything. Whether he takes the shots or not isn't a priority. He only has to step up and hit the big shot when the team is down. I think you're completely out of line to suggest he doesn't give a shiit; there's no doubt in my mind that he's always trying to contribute, it just may not necessarily be scoring.
It seems as though he is going to have to really breakout next year (his option year) to justify a max contract the next. An 18/8 center with fair shot-blocking and defense just cannot justify superstar wages. In his defense, the whole team has changed around him and he needs a badass PF to keep his back. But he hasn't had the breakout year this year everyone expected whether he is resting for the playoffs or not. He will have to become that dominant player everyone expected to justify MAX! He will probabaly get it anyway because of intangibles and popularity.
patlabor1 In a sense I agree. I just dont see Yao wanting to get "UP" anymore then he has. Im not going to be the one saying he needs to scream and yell, or get all fired up. But he definately needs to show a bit more passion. Some more fire. If he gets crammed on by a guy looking to posterize him, he needs to come right back down and get after that guy. Not disappear in an array of bad post positions. The thing that bothers me most is that it almost seems as if not even his team mates have faith in him. Like they dont consider him to be a talented 7'6" dude with skill. He is almost an after thought on the offensive end. Used merely for his picks and an occasional post feeding.
Yao will be traded this off-season. Rox can't afford a max-contract player who does not compete 48 minutes/game since Rox is not a big-market team who is willing to pay luxury tax. Even though Yao has been in Houston for 3 years, Rox has not been able to sell off many of its home games. This shows Yao's marketing attractivenss is overstated. More likely, Yao will be traded either to the Knicks, Kings (both could pay luxury tax), Grizzles (J. West's talent in identify underpaying talent), Lakers (could pay luxury tax and could attract underpaying talent).
Just for starters, if you take his efficiency, and you let him play 48 minutes per game..he's no. 7 in the league. Dont' get started on his averages until you really know what he's doing while he's there. He needs to get his stamina up, but training in the summer time will be afforded to him this year. jeez.
JVG is not that kind of person believing saving energy. He plays players according to their performance. Right now, Deke is better than Yao.
Sun 12, what in the hell makes you think they'll trade yao this summer? His production is better than 99% of centers playing 36mpg. dummie.
He is going to get a max contract. Other than Shaq there is no better center. Ilgostas?(sp) Duncan and Stot are power forwards. tho honestly Duncan is a center.
Yao is fine we don't really need to worry about his stock falling because were not going to trade him sorry YOFs
Wow, I thought these kinds of threads were on their way out. There is no one on any of those teams the Rockets would trade for (including Kobe Bryant), nor will their draft picks be high enough to be worth it.
