Didn't see this posted anywhere.... 12 (9) Rockets - 20-16 - Van Gundy needn't worry about being sent back to TNT, as he joked the other day. But in this West, as inconsistent as his Rockets are, missing the playoffs is a serious possibility.
I just feel benching Yao Ming is a bad move by JVG. I know he is angry with Yao's performance recently. But keep in mind Yao is still a second year young player who need encouragement and tolerance when he makes mistakes on the court. Instead we see he was sent to bench more and more once he lost a defense rebound or made a turnover. Other players make mistakes too, Steve had 6 turnovers in the half the other night against Boston, but he wasn't benched, that allowed him to have chance to settle down, refocus on the game, not on the bench just being frunstrated. Why JVG can't do the same thing to Yao? Tough love?
Steve wasn't benched because the Rockets don't have another point guard. For better or worse, Steve is all we have. You can bet if we had acquired Ward, Francis would sit with Yao. As for Yao needing "encouragement and tolerance," this is the WRONG coach for that, unfortunately.
Agree completely, that is why I feel losing Ward to Spurs actually hurts us. No competition in the the position hurts SF and Rox. I still remember couple games ago when Wilks actually on the court contributing, SF was back to game with more control, less turnovers and better decision. Unfortunately Wilks is not the guy who can provide consistent healthy competition. As for Yao, it is really tough for him, this remind me the same situation last year with Larry Smith, he responsed miserably last time. I wish he could go though it this time, and if he does, I believe he can grow up to be a man as we all want.
Van Gundy's obviously not getting the job done himself and not getting through to his players either, so I say he should bench his own bald ass and have Charles Barkley kiss it.
When I watch Yao play, it's not so much that he makes mistakes but that he doesn't try his hardest on every play.
notice how jackson is playing well must be all that lovin' from jvg. jvg must get new age and share the love then the rox will play better.
