Bill Walton is the king of hyperbole but he's dead on. The Rockets invested a shi*tload of time, money, and a #1 pick on this guy. They need to find him a mentor. Even if it means giving away Jason Collier for a two day piece of stale bread and keeping Kevin Willis. Someone needs to help him with this transition. Remember Ming's diary where he talked about being in the US and how difficult it was even with his PG friend accompanying him? He seems to be a very sensitive kid that's been somewhat sheltered throughout his life. Steve, Cat, Griffin and Cato could make it absolutely miserable for him. Wake up Rudy, get him a mentor.
Woodlands has the correct read. My addition is that Walton is saying the Rockets' ballhandlers, too-date, have been selfish. But they still have a chance to right the ship. And here is what you have to do to right the ship, according to Bill. Whether Mobley-Francis come around in this regard is for the future to decide. Based on Mobe's-Stevie's earlier comments, I admit it looks kinda scary. They like the little club they have created and seem more concerned with keeping that club together than committing to doing what is necessary to create a winner. Now here comes Ming who threatens their status. Their initial reponse was to circle the wagons and whine. Later they seemed to come around. We can only hope that the latter remarks were sincere. In any event, it will be pretty easy to see as it will be hard for anyone to miss the 7-6 guy who was standing there wide-open but did not get the ball. This has has happened to KT alot in the past but he is not as noticeable. Everyone will notice Ming.
Good article. But since when has Walton ever been tactful enough to slam a team without naming names? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar got a job working with Olowokandi last year, and though he felt the guy wouldn't listen, the results seem to be pretty good. I guess now that the USBL season is over Kareem might be ready to teach Ming the skyhook for a million bucks. Quick, before Cuban pays him two million to teach Nowitzki!
rslay - I like your thinking, Jabbar would be great. Though I've always liked John Thompson - though I'm not sure he's available. Additionally, I do hope the Rockets get someone else to stay with him to help him transition to his new part time culture. Some one who has already made the transition. The salary of both people would be money well spent.
SInce Bill loves Yao so much, and has played a "father " role...Why dont we briong in BILL to mentor Yao? they already have a mutual respect for one another
I think that a person to help Ming transition to living here is critical to the success of his NBA play. Even if you throw out all the rumours, I don't know how many friendlies we have on the team that are going to hang with Ming in the down time. Imagine, coming over to a different country without any family or friends. You play ball in many different cities. You head back to the hotel room - by yourself. You eat - by yourself. Yes, you may talk to a few people but you don't have much in common with them besides basketball and who wants to talk shop off the clock - so those conversations don't last very long. You miss the life, family, friends, teammates, etc that you grew up with. It can be depressing being alone with that much change. Depression doesn't help your game. In addition to a big man coach, I'd like to see them get someone who speaks both Mandrin and English well. Someone who has made the transition. They have invested already invested time and money in Ming, I think a few more dollars would do real wonders.
outlaw: Mengke Bateer is a free agent. Sign him and trade Jason Collier for a 2nd rounder. That's the best idea I've read all day.
I agree it's not a bad idea. In addition to be that someone who helps ming to make the transition, Bateer is a banger and can do the dirty works under the basket. Signing him wont be expensive either.
