Yao Ming said he will demand the ball more in future in the Rockets just like what he used to do in the national team.
Good interview. I like these translations from chinese, yao seems more expressive and thoughtful when he's able to communicate natively. Someone in the other thread mentioned that Yao always has a will to win, and I thought that was a funny thing to say when it is evident that much of his struggles are mental. His quote about knowing the position of the rocket's season means that he wasn't giving 100%, which is pretty much natural given the circumstances...
I find it fascinating that for the first few years, it seemed like Yao might NEVER develop the personality to become a real leader on the team. Even a guy like Ralph Sampson, who many of us thought was too soft, was a pretty fiery competitor at times. It turns out, though, that Yao was just deferring to others who had been here longer -- his "superiors," so to speak (at least in his mind). Now that he's been here longer than any other player, and with the reigning team superstar out with injuries, Yao realizes that HE is now the man on this team. And he's starting to act accordingly.
I don't like how he's had 20 games' rest and is still tired already. I guess we'll see next season if he's truly shaken his tendency to collapse at the end of the season.
No American player "has to play" and many don't to rest. Therein lies the question. Is he going to be forced to play even if it's in his best interest to rest.
Almost all the title of Chinese artical on sina.com.cn or sohu.com are misleading or trying their best to mislead.
If Yao is not forced to play, then playing is only putting a lid on his potential. We all saw how he was playing after some good rest, and a healthy toe. I wouldn't want Yao to do anything out of the ordinary (for a normal NBA player). Just need him to work on his game and get some rest, strength training, etc. No need to overwork himself. As for demanding the ball, he should touch the ball every time down the court, T-Mac or not. T-Mac often does a good job of getting Yao touches and easy looks. We'll just have to wait 'till next season to see it again. T-Mac and/or Yao should at least touch the ball EVERY time down the court, that should be a Rockets' players rule of thumb/game plan.
He really should shout and demand the ball more, T-mac isn't here, if he cann't take over the game, can any other be expected? Just shout and get the ball, show your dominance power!
