Here is the allstar starting lineup for 2002-2003 season C: Yao Ming PF: Shaq SF: Duncan SG: Webber G: Garnett
I haven't thought about this, but it's awesome and it'll affect the outcome of games! Imagine every road game Ming plays there would be a contingent of Ming fans; and if the numbers are big enough, the Rockets would have home court advantage or at least counter the opponents home court advantage (like the Yankees)! This means more wins!
I think it can very well happen in places like California, New York, Chicago. I am sure Les, Rudy and CD are, but I am not sure that even the NBA realizes how much impact Yao Ming will have on the NBA. It should help with the foul calls while on the road. By the end of next season his jersey will be the biggest seller in the NBA.
That's a very good possibility. I think the only guy who could possibly beat him is that guy who had the F-word as his last name.
What you guys are forgetting is fans ALL ACROSS Asia. Ming will get a lot of Japanese and korean votes, as well as most other B-ball fans in Asia. I can really see it happening, especially if Shaq decides not to go. Francis is DEFINITELY in. He started last year, when there was no attendance, exposure, or wining. heck, he didn't even PLAY much. This time, attendance is UP, we have the number one pick (EXPOSURE), we're a playoff team, and he's hopefully healthy. Steve's going to the All Star game for sure. If we can get Ming in there, that would be incredible.
Good point, that would be like Kobe not good enough to start on the Lakers but getting voted to start on the all star team because he makes commericals and the NBA pushs him. Well to me if LA can do it then Houston can do it too. I think the votes for Ming will carry several other Rockets with him, that should cause Stern and the NBA to change the voting system.
Not to forget the millions of Chinese and Asian Americans, some Chinese in Houston are already offering free furniture, medication and other stuff as a form of support. Some are driving one hundred miles to see this guy play against the US team. This guy has converted normal folks into basketball and Rockets fans without playing a single NBA game. Now that's STAR power.
Yeah, that wasn't very weird was it? I'm surprised you can even remember that since nobody ever talked about it.
I'm not sure if many people have notice, but most of Yao's votes will not be coming from China. The majority will be coming from America (Asian Americans) In Indiana of all places, there was a huge number of Asian Americans at the game supporting Ming. Many teams are already trying to promote games with Ming in it becasue they know they will draw a large crowd. Now factor in the "less than 1%" of China, the Asian American fans of Basketball, and anyone who likes the Rockets; and you have a large number of votes there.
Argh. I hate the fan balloting for All-Star games in all sports. So many obvious choices have been skewed by larger TV markets and hyper-fans at the expense of Houston athletes. The only thing about this post that appeals to my sense of humor is: what if Cat leads Kobe at the guard spot because of Yao. Steve and Cat have talked about being on the All-Star team like it's better than a second ring (assuming you have 1). Yao could make Cat a great player, and now he's just very good. But if Yao indirectly puts him in the All-Star game, that would be hilarious.
