There is no doubt that Yao has improved dramatically over the last season. And with JVG's emphasis on the inside-out game, I believe that Ming has a great chance of putting up very good numbers this season. 20-10 seems very doable, and I am even thinking about something like 23-10 based on my belief that he will average 33-35 min/game. It's interesting to see that Ming lead the Rockets in ppg, rpg, bpg, and FG percentage (68%), FT percentage (90%!). And he has so far played Brad Miller/Divac twice, two all star center, along with Camby, a decent center/PF. There is no doubt that he will have to face constant double team in the regular season. Well, what will his number be in that kind of situation? And do you guys believe that he will lead us in PPG this season? I have no doubt that Ming can average 28-13 in his prime, which is probably 3-4 years away.
Here's what I see for them this year... Yao...22-10-2.5 blks Cato (PF?)...8-10-2 JJ...12-4-2 ast. Cat...16-3-1 ast. Franchise...20-5-7 I also see Pike coming off the bench to add 8-12 ppg. and MoT around 10-12. Depending on how high the Rox finish, I also see Yao as an MVP candidate. He won't win it, but he could finish in the top 10.
Part of me wants to believe that Yao is going to go completely bezerk and put up huge numbers 26ppg, 12 rpg, 3bpg, but I think that's the fan bias kicking in. The real rational side of me says that he'll probably average at most 35 minutes per game and thus it'll be tough to put up monster numbers. Before the summer, I figured Yao was looking at 18ppg, 9 rpg. After the summer games and the preason games, I'm now thinking 20/10. Now to the actual question. I think Steve is going to put up the most points this year. I think he needs to get adjusted to the new offensive sets but once he does i think he'll avg. 23 ppg.
Before the preseason started I had Yao pegged for 17ppg and 9rpg. That was close to the numbers he put up last December when he was then playing his best basketball. I figured he could give that production for the full season. Now after seeing him in the pre-season I have to think he has a chance to average around 20/10. That would be great. I STILL feel that Francis will be the team's leading scorer, but I think Yao and Francis will be close. I really like seeing Yao and Francis the focal point of our offense (versus Cat and Francis) and both putting up big numbers.
It looks very possible! Bill also mentioned during the game that at this pace, Yao could lead the league in FG% and FT%! That would be awesome.
One problem I see with Ming this season is somehow he is more foul prone. Not sure whether it's due to his added aggressiveness (offensive foul), or bad positioning in D.
That would be awesome. The upper body strength he has developed has definitely improved his game, and the amazing thing is he still has his touch.
or refs with premature ewhistleation... seriously...some of the stuff the refs have been calling have been a little picky. I woldnt worry about Yao..he will do just fine, especially as he establishes his style and patterns with the refs..
I've never felt like Yao was a 20 ppg scorer for 2003-04 and still don't. He's putting up very good numbers but it's pre-season (not game 65), it's against less then stellar competition (Camby, the Seattle crew, Brad Miller learning a new system and playing his way into shape, etc.) and it's without having to share shots with Cuttino, Pike and MoT all of whom having been injured. IMHO, we will get a real glimpse of both Yao's ppg and the effectiveness of the Rockets new offense when they play the Spurs. New Spur 7'0" Rasho Nesterovic basically played Yao even in 4 games last year with MINN. And the Spurs are a sound defensive team which will allow double teams to come from Duncan leaving Cato, Bowen leaving Nachbar and Manu leaving JJax or Cat. With no Rox on NBALP, this is my first game...I can hardly wait!!!
Gater, are you going to the game? I won tickets from the Oldies station in Austin. I can't wait either.
Ming will be a 23-15ppg scorer if healthy, and Steve will be around 20ppg. Cat will hover around 14-15, and the rest will fall in line. DD
If Yao Ming gets ahead of Francis it will cause a problem . Steve wont like being second best scorer.If this is the case and it might just be so, either this or next season, then JVG will be the one to soften the blow.
