SO what?! Someone is pissed yao Ming rates playing for his country higher than the Houston Rockets. Give me a break. It is representing your damn country. Get over it dude!
If we all just step back from the Kool Aid and think clearly. Remember folks, the NBA is on the priority list of life is on the same level as your summer movie blockbuster or Access Hollywood - it's ENTERTAINMENT. Getting mad at Yao for wanting to do something for his country is like getting mad at the actors/actresses/rock stars that want to entertain our troops in Iraq (commitment to country) because it might get in the way of their next blockbuster movie or record deal.
I actually think hating on Yao's decision is being very selfish. You want him to focus his energy on the Rockets so they can win a championship....because that would make you happy that they won. I'm sorry but winning a gold medal in what your best at for the host country is above and beyond better than winning an NBA championship. The average athlete competes in maybe 1 or 2 olympics. They participate for the championship every year. Stop being selfish and thinking about how NBA championship for the rockets is what you want and put yourself in his shoes.
Just wanted to say that when Yao was getting his stress fracture he still played on it when he was in pain. In fact he's played thru pain many a time during his career here (e.g. toe infection). When he found out about his stress fracture he was obviously devastated and felt that he let his team mates down big time. I think that actions speak louder than words and that when he is in a Rockets uniform he gives his all. Whether or not you agree with his comments or not, it is undeniable that he has not shirked his responsibilities on court with the Rockets. Yes you can say that the stress of playing for China in the offseason has robbed him of time to rest and recuperate but this was generally known when he was drafted. However, I think it is evident that he does care about the Rockets and plays his heart out when he is in Rockets Red. I don't think I've seen him just cruise in a Rockets game so don't get pissed off, just let it slide...
Couple of random thoughts... So what if an NBA championship isn't "the only thing" to Yao. -Yao's involvement in his national team is important to him (even at the risk/cost to some degree to the Rockets because of BB fatigue). -Hakeem put his religion 1st. (don't think his fasting didn't have some effects on his stamina over the course of a season) -Charles Barkley wouldn't give up all his social life in a single minded pursuit. I'd still take any of them on my team any day of the week--they are humans 1st, basketball players 2nd. On the Gold Medal issue. No I don't think a Gold Medal is equivalent to US basketball players as a year championship (NBA or probably college). Why do you think it took a concerted effort to recruit a handful of our best US players to actually commit to it. Of course no one is going to say playing on the national team is unimportant, plus the Olympics is fresh. These players are great at PR they are not going to diss it ("ah, it was good, but nothing like ending a seasonal grind by winning a NC for Cuse or an NBA title"). But you look at the emotion in the NCAA tourney or 7th game in the NBA playoffs--sorry, much more intense than USA basketball. Other countries are different. These guys are playing for respect for their countries, their countries don't have anything on the fan/media level of NBA/NCAA championships) and they represent the ultimate underdog against the USA. Didn't Dirk, AK47 and Yao all carry the flag (not sure about Manu, Scola, Pau)? These individuals represent far more to their countries than any of the 100+ NBA players who would star (and be national heros) for any team other than USA.
When I see comments like this I think of the South Park Episode where they kept saying," Cause this is America! If you dont like it you can geaeet out!!!" lol
The reason Dirk, AK47 and Yao carried the flags is they are TALL, get it? Not all countries give too much shxt about NBA. Compared with Soccer stars in German, Dirk is nothing there.
Assuming we win the championship or go really far in the playoffs and Yao says that this was the hardest loss he has ever had or says these are his greatest days or he says winning the championship was the greatest moment of his life? How would everyone react?
i saw an excitement and passion that you have never shown on this side of the world when you played in the Olympics, and if you cannot provide that type of desire and passion for this NBA game i personally believe that mind set would trully be a dishonor to Houston Rocket Fans.[/QUOTE] first hug. second.
Yao Ming has two goals. One is win a Olympic basketball gold medal in China, the other is winning a NBA championship within Rockets. The first goal is too far away from the realism, but the second is exciting.
Dude,I swear i have heard Yao said he wants to bring the ROX go deep and even win the champion too.That indicate Yao wasn't the man who like you said that had no heart with the ROX.You must understand the responsibility of Yao,he is the only superstar in the CNT,in other words he stand for the team,so that wasn't strange Yao played more passion on the OLYMPICS. Please take it easy,after finishing his mission on the OLYMPICS,Yao should pay more attention on the ROX,with 120% desire and passion to the NBA CHAMPION!
I posted what LJ said. Here is more from other NBA stars. Deron Williams said winning the Olympics was “by far” better than making the Western Conference Finals with the Jazz in 2007 or taking Illinois to the NCAA championship game in 2005. He also said that U.S. teammate Dwyane Wade told him he valued his Olympic gold medal over the NBA championship he won with the Miami Heat a few years ago. Representing his country and getting the U.S. back on top of the world meant that much to him. Please stop pretending you know these players. They all value Olym[ic gold better than NBA title. It means way more than NBA title.
