About the Rockets making a decision we will all regret? I'd like to say I ain't scared, but I am...this feeling sucks. I just can't wait for the draft to unravel like it will, then I will sleep better. There are other things in life than following the Rockets, but if you are here and keeping up with this site, chances are you #1 care about the Rockets,...and #2 might be feeling a bit scared right now. (though you may not admit it) Forget my crazy predictions, it appears we may well end up with Ming, and it may not be so bad,...in fact it may be all good... I just want to remind all my friends to relax and breathe deep and know that the right people with the right knowledge and abilities will make the best decision given all the facts...For this realization should be very well comforting...I know there are a thousand scenarios and possibilities going through your head, but try to clear this mental jam as difficult as it may be to be patient and relish this opportunity we can all share.
Roc Paint seems to know about some way we're getting Lamar Odom without sacrificing the #1. If he's right, don't dread.
Sorry, but im still feeling sick to the stomach. If zhi zhi is the 2nd best player in China, then Ming should not be considered a #1 pick.
Damn I'm nervous as hell. I recall some people saying last offseason was the most important in the team's history and the results aren't looking so hot right now. We really can't afford to blow this offseason.
Just as you can't describe your feeling that isn't quite scared, I can't describe mine -- but it seems to be the opposite of yours. I'm anxious about the result, but I think we'll do well with Yao, or with Odom, or with any other scheme CD and RT can come up with. I'm not scared because the team will obviously be better after the draft then before it. And RT and CD know what they're doing and will likely make the best choice given the available options.
" Seems to me, you don't want to talk about it, seems to me, you just turn your crazy head , and walk away." sorry, but I love that song. Don't "Dread" on me.. Go Rockets!!
Anybody who appreciates my old homey Joe Walsh is a friend of mine. I was originally apprehensive when the swap picks + Adonal Foyle and/or Dampier was in the air. I prefer Ming, can live with Odom, but IMHO GS just doesn't have anything the Rockets need. (Jamison has a killer contract and Dampier almost makes Cato look inexpensive).
Oh come on now! Gimme a break! This whole draft scenario reminds me of when Dirk Nowitzki was drafted? Dirk who? Has Nelly lost his mind? A German player in the NBA? Is he athlethic enough, is he strong enough, is he tough enough? I'm sure there were people also wondering the same thing about Dirk the same way they are wondering about Ming! BUT skills and athlethicism always rises to the top. From what the Rockets are saying, Ming possess those qualities so I'm not worried. This is an even BIGGER deal for them than us, so let's not get too carried away. I say go for broke and draft the 7-5 dude from China!
Unless a Tracy McGrady, a Kevin Garnett, or a Kobe Bryant is involved, I don't think those words will come out of Stern's mouth! I'm feeling very confident the Rockets will keep the pick!
Posted by ESource The BIG difference is that we have seen zhi zhi play in the NBA. We had never seen Dirk play. Zhi Zhi will never be a star in this league. Sure, Ming is better than zhi zhi, but is the disparity between the best player in China and the 2nd best player in China that big?
Aw c'mon! Let's NOT judge another player because another player from his country hasn't shown anything! That's NOT legitimate! When Dirk was drafted, was there ANY other Germans in the NBA we could compare him with? NO, I don't believe so. BUT Nelly still took him becuz Dirk displayed skills and athlethicism that would make him successful in the league nevermind that no one knew a darned thing about him before! You've made my point exactly! We should take Ming!
And who was the second best player on Tim Duncans team in college? Wasn't it that Rusty LaRue guy that backs up Stockton in Utah? Just because there is a large disparity in talent between those two does not mean Duncan was not worth the number 1 pick in the draft.
Why is everybody so down on Wang? I have seen him in person, and he has a great shooting touch. He dominated the CBA on both ends of the court and is one of the greatest basketball players in china's history. Even Ming stated that Wang is the bettter, more versatile, defender. So why is everybody so down on Wang?
Because of his limited playing time, most folks outside of Dallas seem to assume Wang is and always will be a bust. Personally, I like the guy. I don't think he will likely start in the NBA (well, unless he ends up in Denver or something), but I think he will have a pretty productive career in the NBA. He has a great shot, and he moves very well with the ball. He's got a couple of good moves (and seems to be adding to the list). He looked a lot better this year than last, and I expect similar improvement next year. I think he could earn a lot more playing time next season (as long as China lets him stay in the NBA that is). Unfortunately, his defence pretty much sucks. Which is really scary since Ming is on record of saying that Wang is the best defender from China. --Drof
I'm more worried about possibly getting Odom. If Francis plays a whole year and MoT at least plays like he did last year, then this team has good talent. Yao would be a bonus to this. What this team needs now is chemistry and character, and adding a drugy, flaky, underachieving player, no matter what his potential, could very easily do more damage to this team's character than good.
He is, by all reports, a character guy. He is also a rookie, so he's not going to add much immediately in this regard, but I think he's less likely to be a disruptive influence. I don't see him in the back room of some strip club sparking up joints with Francis. I'd still like the team to get a character leader/mentor type. I wonder what the Nets want for Kidd?
