After his torrid play in March can Yao win the .... M ..... V ... oh not that, the player of the month award! ok ok its really more of an honor than an actual "award" But lets review his month and his chances to recieve the honor. For Rockets fans, I'm sure March was a BIG dissapointment, for not only did T-mac's injury occurred and marred a hopeful 6-0 win streak, it also marked the end to any "realistic" shot for the playoffs. However a glimmer of good and hope did occur during this dreary time... and that is the outstanding play of Yao Ming. Whether or not Yao can continue or improve on this level next year is unknown, but atleast for now he shown everyone he's very cabable. Capable to lead a team bereft by injury, to compete agianst the best while supported by rather extra ordinary talent and to at times even dominate the competition. And for me that is enough to make March not quite as dissapointing, not quite as painful and dare I say it even a little hopeful. Yao in March 27.6 pts 11 reb 2.1 blks 89% ft 55% fg Rec 7-8 Now the question of whether its enough or not to win the player of the month honor... will most likely be... just short. Despite his great numbers and the fact that they are clearly elevated from his season avg... the rockets 7-8 mark will be doubly negative, since no POTM award has been given to a player on a losing team (during that month) this year and is usually awarded to winning months in general. The other factor going against Yao is tough competition from not one but two players, Dirk and Especially C.Anthony whose team was 11-5 in march. Though in Dirks case his team was only 9-8 in March... Carmelo Anthony 29.8 pts 2.5 ast 4.1 rb 87% ft 55% fg rec 11-5 Dirk Nowitzki 30 pts 10.2 rb 3.3 ast 90% ft 49% fg rec 9-8 posted by: blahblehblah
hey john just in case your wondering , "when did I post that" it was me lol It seems I cant post a new thread on this accnt.
I know we are talking player of the month here. But does anyone think he might be up for the Most Improved Player?
interesting???? His numbers aren't siginificantly different, but I think the whole league knows what his improvements are. Yao probably has an outside chance.
I just read some ideas for who it might be. Smush, West(deserves it), Diaw(probably will win it), Mike James, Kristic Yao has improved, but not like these guys have.
It easier for scrubs to improve to get MIP than Yao Ming. The different in stat is more significant for scrubs who turn into talented players.
It isnt always about numbers. It is about numbers PLUS "team wins". The Rockets havent won enough games to get Yao into contention. Wait until next year when Yao puts up the SAME numbers, we have Tmac back, a better roster and are winning 70% of our games.
