Yes, Yetti, And part of team basketball is the big man playing strong and tough inside so his guards don't have to work so hard to rebound. And sealing off the lane. And getting tough points inside consistently. JVG will insist that Yao play tough and physical inside or he will be shipped out. If Yao wants to play a finesse game then he should move to small forward and let us get a Center that is willing to play the Big Man Game.
You are wrong here. Yao should play a both finesse and physical game with his unique combination of skills, size and power. And Rik Smits didn't get shipped out.
There are so many things wrong with this thread. They've already been covered to a large extent. But the broader picture of this is what disappoints me. It's a team sport. Yao and Steve aren't having a big conflict on who's the leader of the team and will do all the scoring. They get along well. Why do others need to make it a competition - let alone a competition where poor logic and facts don't back up your argument. It doesn't have to be one or the other, and in fact if it is just one or the other then the team won't get anywhere and the players individual recognition and greatness will suffer as well. If you really truly care about either one of these guys being 'the man' then both will have to play to their maximum potential and carry each other and the team into the playoffs.
Juggie and silvercat remember that Yao Ming must be given the chance to learn the Game before JVG makes any changes at the Center position,afterall it's only his second season. On the otherhand Francis is is in his Fifth season and knows how to play the game. Both will be required to play the Team Game as seen through JVG's eyes. JVG already stated that this season is his evaluation season and he will evaluate what ever changes he needs to make. Yao Ming is a finesse player as was Hakeem.He will never be a banger like Shaq,Oakley or Maurice Lucas etc. he has a different mind set. He will improve his game but you can only expect Yao Ming to be Yao Ming not a second coming of another. Let him surprise you from season to season as his style of play under the help of Coach Patrick Ewing becomes that of the Dominent Center.[In this case Dominent Center means the BEST Center, I dont mean that he will dominate ala Shaq] Regarding Steve Francis I only want him to be all that he can be. Especially if it helps the Rockets to the top of the ladder.
I am not BASHING Steve we only want the best for him and the Team. He is now in his Fifth Season and we only hope that he gets the 'Sacrifice for the TEAM' concept from Coach JVG. It will make the Rockets a much better Team.
i know Yetti, i wasn't talking about you. i was talking about some other posters. i also know steve is not perfect. i know he should learn alot, i only think that some people do not see the positive things he has.
We should ask Clutch to create a Yao vs. Steve forum so that those who are interested can do that debate to death.
