When we got the number one, some people were immediately pro-Ming, some had concerns and were on the fence and some were decidedly against him. Which are you? I'm especially interested in knowing how many people have changed positions in recent days and what it would take to convert the rest of you. For the record, I started out pro-Ming with reservations and am now ecstatic about the possibility of acquiring him. How many previous doubters and fence sitters have been convinced in recent days by: - Comments by CD, etc, that the Rockets have been scouting him for years and are solid on his talent. - Comments by the Rockets that they feel confident terms can be worked out with China - The medical exams he underwent in Chicago - Scouting reports from Hoopsworld as well as less dubious sources - The excellent reporting from windandsea - The exciting recent post by Doc Rocket And for those who haven't been convinced, what will it take: - Terms finalized with all Chinese authorities - Another workout (bearing in mind, the team's said they've been watching him for years and were in Chicago for that workout) - Our own medical exam - Rookie stats of 10, 8 and 2 - Rookie stats of 20, 10 and 4 - Playoffs next year - Championship ZRB said today that a recent scouting report got him excited for the first time since the Lottery. Just wondering what it'll take for the rest of you to jump on the bandwagon.
I started off pro-Ming with some doubts. Those doubts brought my elation from winning the top pick down a bit. But since lottery-day, we've been hearing quite a lot of positive tidbits of information from various sources, which have now led me to believe that Ming is going to be a great Houston Rocket. There also seems to be a chance that the Rockets could pick up a Lamar Odom or Rashard Lewis in addition to Ming. In other words, the Rockets could be adding two franchise-quality or near franchise-quality players in an offseason where before May 19th, our best hope was to pick up a decent contributer with the fifth pick. Damn right I'm excited.
I'm with you, ZRB. (Never thought I'd say that.) If we could pick up Ming AND Odom or Lewis, it would blow my mind. I'm excited enough though about Ming plus last year's squad coming back healthy. I can't help thinking what we really need at the 3 spot is an Elie type defensive specialist role player. Kind of a shame Augmon didn't want to stick around. He'd fit in great with next year's team.
alright, I was strongly anti-Ming at first, but now I am only anti-ming slightly with some doubts. I won't mind drafting him too much as long as we get odom or lewis, etc. Things that have improved my view are finding out how long the Rockets have been scouting him and hearing how dedicated he is. I still have my doubts however about the government, old team, physical play, other obligations, and many other things. Hopefully it'll all turn out for the best
I started out a huge Ming doubter. My doubts have been tempered somewhat over time, and I now think Ming could be a very good NBA center. In the end, however, I will simply agree with whatever decision the Rockets decide to make, because I am sure they know a lot more about Ming and what he is capable of than I do.
So NYKRule, Since you find those stats so unattainable, would you be willing to eat your hat if he DID post 10, 8 and 2? Or just as good, would you be willing to admit you were wrong?
Started as solid Ming supporter and have not wavered. Many concerns are non-basketball related. I believe negotiating with the Chinese is less problematic than negotiating with Falk. Bring Ming.
When I thought we would have the #5 pick I had delusions that somehow Ming would fall, but these were pipe dreams so they didn't include realities like the Chinese Govt. Then we got the pick and I was excited about the shear freakishness of the whole thing. Wild speculation and misinformation soon flooded my Clutch BBS world. With talk of money and fan bases and 43 signatures to sign some guy that I have never seen. All this kind of soured me to the whole Ming idea. Since then things are calming and the information is clearing up, along with the realization that too many experts say that Ming is the real thing to argue with. As long as all the reports from the China trip are positive I have to say that I have moved to the Ming side of the fence. Even though the Rocket contengency would be stupid to say anything but good things about their dealings with the Chinese because the value of the number one is only as high as the Hype around Ming. I am going to put my trust in the Rocket brass and hope that Ming is a Rocket whose name is mentioned in conversations about Olajuwan and Championships.
I am new to this site and would just like to know where you guys heard we could get Odom or Lewis without giving up the #1. If we could get one of those guys, we would almost assuredly make the playoffs.
I second what Tozai said. However it might have been better to save this question until a week before the draft as the negotiation process has only just begun. Also I expect that offers for the number 1 pick may become more enticing the week of the draft. If we can come out of the draft confident that Ming will play for the Rocks and we pick up or trade for some solid contributors at the three then I will be happy. Once thing is for certain whether we take Ming or trade the pick the Rockets will be stronger next season and that is something to celebrate.
I always want to see Ming play at a NBA team, and Houston is among the best fits. Never doubt that he will be a VERY GOOD player (20, 10, 3). Among the greatest? I still doubt. Also from the day ShangHai Sharks made a championship I have never doubted that he will come to NBA this year, because the expections for his NBA future in China has since been so high and it almost becomes a political issue - about how great 'the Chinese people' can be in sports. Nobody can take the responsibility to hurt this. Li Yaoming is playing the hard ball but surely he has his bottom line, so will be Chinese BB officials in the Central government.
i wanted ming on the rockets a year and half before the draft i think i'm one of the only fans to have watched 3 seasons worth of CBA basketball
The day we won the lottery, I signed up for this BBS and grabbed the name yao ming, so I think it is pretty evident that I am pro Ming all the way. I am still equally psyched up and can't wait to see Ming in Rocket colors!
