Can we stop using this as a reason that the Rox like him? How about the fact he is 18 and 8? Yeah it aint 20 and 10, but I'll take a 18 and 8 center anytime.
Right so because he doesnt put up the numbers you want to see from him, the only reason he is with the Rox is because of his "marketing presence." It's a lame argument. If he doesn't help the team win, then he will be sent packing, and despite his recent struggles and Deke's awesome play, Yao still is a factor in our wins. When he cannot help the team win anymore, then its time to send him packing
With many poeple here bashing Yao every other game, Yao's stock must be low. With that being said, I would buy as much stock as possible of Yao. He is getting better, not as fast as many people would like(this is America after all), but in 2 yrs when Yao starts to hit his prime, that 'Yao stock' will look awfully good. I'm buying...
No. You may be stuck with him, but we won't. Most rockets fans are content with having Yao, so no, we're not "stuck" with him. And No again; you may not like him but I'd trust Gundy and Les to know a basketball player when they see one. You think he came to coach the Rockets because Francis was in town? If you sincerely despise yao in a rockets uniform, then go watch your Knicks. p.s: your on my IL. I'm on a role!
You have to admit, Les must be salivating over having TV rights of Rockets games to a billion person market...that's growing at 8%. I wouldn't trade that away, I'd give Yao every chance. My whole problem with Yao has always been effort. It's not the points, it's the other things. It's exploding toward rebounds, not letting guys dunk on him with impunity, throwing bodies around. I mean, if Yao got some flagrant fouls I'd be a lot happier...I just can't stand soft players...and to me, that's what Yao is right now.
Great - keep me on your IL list. And if you respond to this or any other post I write, everyone will know you lied about putting me on your IL. Now go watch your New Orleans Hornets. Wait, doesn't make sense does it? That's how stupid your knicks comment is.
yeah I agree, having a chance at the Chinese market is a factor. Les is a smart business guy, I'm sure he sees the potential in it. If Yao was still a 11 and 5 guy, then the argument would be a lot cleaer. But since he is actally doing a lot better than anyone thought possible, it tends to render the Chinese market argument somewhat moot. Yao plays with effort, unfortunately, that 7-6 frame which looks like it should be dominating limits him in almost every aspect on defense, which is when he gets in trouble. God did not bless him with the quickness required to grab rebounds. I think Hubie Brown made a good point, Yao is representing an entire nation, he can't just go knock someone out. I do think he is soft by our standards though, he can get a lot more aggressive on both and forceful without being a thug; I dont think its anything you can coach though. The best the staff can do is have the team put Yao in a position on both ends of the floor that can maximize his skills. In other words, he can do some damage, but he needs others to set it up for him, like a jumpshooter who can't create his own shot (those types normally get the soft label also). I can't see Yao ever being a 25-15 guy, he lacks the mental makeup. I'm happy with something close to 20-10 though, provided TMax is around. If not...I dont wanna think about it
JVG when he got hired: "The best thing about the Rockets? Every morning Yao wakes up, he is still 7'5."
We've seen Yao grab rebounds with ferocity though...so clearly it's not his frame that's stopping him. It's all his head, and you're right, it's not something that can be coached.
The meaning of this post was to figure out if YAO had indeed lost favor with the coaching staff and with his teammates. I believe so. I think JVG and the Rox see him as a big ol Softy, and dont even consider him a serious part of the offense. As for how much Yao brings to the Rox money wise. The Rox are slugs at the gates. With such wonderful teams like the FREAKING Golden State Warriors out drawing them for home games. 23rd out of 30 teams in the NBA. With TMAC and Yao's bump in draw ability. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/attendance
Yao Ming is 30th in the league in scoring, with about 18 points per game. How he managed to do that without being a serious part of the offense...you tell me .
You serious about this? When yao isn't on the floor, the team at times just looks like a high school team, launching jump shot after jumpshot. Just because he hasnt looked good in the past few games doesn't mean he isnt a big part of their offense. Well good, now at least if the Rox resign Yao, we won't have to hear about how he got max money only because of his drawing power, which according to you, is grossly overstated.
This has nothing to do with Yao or MacGrady....it's just that Houston is not a sports town. Houston could have Shaq, Kobe, LeBron, Marbury and Duncun, and attendance would probably be bumped up to 22nd in the NBA. Of course, this has to do with various factors - such as Houston not having as many people as New York, Chicago, or L.A., and that Houston isn't as old as Boston or New Orleans, or that Houston has worse traffic problems then Denver, or that the tickets are far more expensive then they are in San Antonio, etc, etc, etc...