Becase Yi knows his age is not 19. Whoever thought he was 19 and whoever is still questioning his age are idiots.
This is a gif CNT played against Sydney Kings on Sep 28. Yi showed his speed and athleticism in this consecutive blocks. Although he did slap the ball in the 2nd block, it bounced on the glass then dropped into the net. So technically he failed in the 2nd block.
Krystkowiak won't guarantee playing time for rookie Yi ST. FRANCIS, Wis. -- The Milwaukee Bucks have not given first-round pick Yi Jianlian any guarantees of playing time, coach Larry Krystkowiak said Friday. "It would be unfair to Yi, unfair to Charlie Villanueva, unfair to a lot of people because nothing is being handed to anyone coming into training camp," Krystkowiak said during the Bucks' annual media day. "I think what happened was that after he was signed, there was such pressure that he wouldn't play here after the draft, that a certain amount of face had to be saved." Bucks general manager Larry Harris, who took part in the negotiations with Yi and his representatives from China in August, confirmed there "were no commitment or promises made about minutes." "The only commitment made was that we would develop him," Harris said. "He did not want to come to a team where he would languish on the bench. You make a pick that high, of course, we had visions of him playing. We knew the talent he had and we knew the kind of upside he has." Harris said Yi's representatives understood the significance of him agreeing to play for the Bucks. It would be unfair to Yi, unfair to Charlie Villanueva, unfair to a lot of people because nothing is being handed to anyone coming into training camp. I think what happened was that after he was signed, there was such pressure that he wouldn't play here after the draft, that a certain amount of face had to be saved. --Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak "It is much different than most any other country in the world," he said. "We promised that we would make him the player we think he can be, he thinks he can be and his whole country, all 1.3 billion of them can be proud of." On the other hand, Krystkowiak expects Yi to be a big part of the team this season because of his basketball skills. "We wouldn't have taken him if we didn't want to develop him to be a major part of our team," he said. "We are going to do what we are supposed to do and that is make him as good as he can become." Yi, who arrived in Milwaukee for Thursday's practice after a 15-hour flight from Shanghai, was followed around the court at media day by a pack of reporters and photographers. His every move was captured and recorded by a group of Chinese journalists, who had followed him to Milwaukee. Yi said he was anxious to compete against NBA players. "I am looking forward to beginning my NBA career and learning how to play in this league," he said through an interpreter. Krystkowiak and several players said they are not concerned about being able to communicate with Yi because he already understands a lot of English. Krystkowiak said he initially was going to learn some Chinese or put a translator on the team's bench. "It was [Yi's] decision that he wants to learn more English," Krystkowiak said. "He's the one taking the bull by the horns." Krystkowiak said the team may use more hand signals to call plays or use play cards to ensure there is no chance for a misunderstanding. Guard Michael Redd said Yi is already pretty good about communicating on the basketball court. "We were in the locker room yesterday and he said, 'What's good Mike,' " Redd said. "He's got a little bit of style and swagger already." Guard Mo Williams said the increased national and international spotlight because of Yi's presence would help other players on the team. "Being a small market, we are never on television and never get publicity," he said. "But now the spotlight will be on us. We have to come out and compete and show the world that we're a good team." Added Redd: "I'm glad to have him on the team. I gave him a big old hug when I saw him yesterday. He's a joy to be around so far. He learns quickly." Harris said he expects the addition of Yi, the signing of forward Desmond Mason and the return of Villanueva and Bobby Simmons to make the Bucks a playoff team this season. "This is the most talented team we have had in my five years as general manager," he said. "I expect us to be good this year and for many years to come." http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=3050813
I don't believe Yi hasn't been guaranteed minutes. For a team that invested so much into him, it'd look stupid on the Bucks' part anyway if Yi was really benched due to bad effort or whatever. The Chinese want Yi to get properly trained in preparation for the 2008 Olympics and there would've been no way if they hadn't settled for guaranteed minutes.
You'd think he'd learn from Toronto who had to be patient for Bargnani to adjust and put decent rookie numbers.
the sydney kings you say..... now that is some top notch opposition ..... NOT in a strange twist of Irony the Sydney kings in the 90s waived a player who is now the captain of the Golden State Warriors
God, I hope NOT. cuz i'm looking at the animated gif above, and while Yi is definitely athletic, there was nothing special about both blocks. Yi running down the court at full speed catches up to player who only starts to run just before he gets ball. Am I missing something here?
Are you aware that what LeFuglyLames wrote doesn't make any sense at all? Obviously he has just used a web translator to post some random characters in chinese.
I can explain these 3 words. first, Yi Jianlian second, Zhu Fangyu(Yi's teammate, Team China member) Third, Yao Ming All of them are the same pronunciation as mandarin.
