Meh. To clarify before someone misinterprets me, Yao isn't a guy who will decline as a direct cause of age (unless you are talking about the indirect accumulation of injuries). He doesn't use athleticism at all in his game. It's depressing because as these guys reach 30, that window of dreamed potential that we all once envisioned shuts further, awakening us to reality. It seems like just yesterday that Doug Collins was reminding the league on national television that McGrady and Yao were just 25 and 24 years old, respectively.
True, but teams led by young players or players that age rarely win, it is usually late 20s early 30s that great players peak. I think Yao's numbers may drop, but his understanding of what to do to win, and more importantly the coaches understanding of how best to use him...matures. I think Yao's best WINNING years are ahead of him (assuming he gets healthy)..... I do hear what you are saying though.....2 great players...under 30...so much potential and so little results. In that regards....yeah...meh ! DD
"Hakeem won his ring when he was over 30....I ain't scared !!!" Write it down on a birthday card and send it to Yao, best gift. Happy Birthday Yao, you deserve one week off, you are not welcome in Toyota Center this whole week.
Yao just updated his FB status to "Thanks to all who wished me a happy birthday on Saturday. I didnt do anything special. Just chilled." This update has attracted 240 comments in the single hour since it was posted. Lot of Y.O.F's out there.
Guess who has the same birthdate and also played as #11 with the Rockets? Spoiler http://clutchfans.net/players/vernon_maxwell/ he Houston Rocket Career of Vernon Maxwell Position: Shooting Guard DOB: Sunday, September 12, 1965 Height: 6-4 Weight: 190 pounds College: Florida, 1988 Jersey Worn: #11 The Houston Rocket Career of Yao Ming Position: Center DOB: Friday, September 12, 1980 Height: 7-5 Weight: 296 pounds College: China, 2002 Jersey Worn: #11 Happy birthday to these great dudes!
