We have 15+ back to back games and I was wondering if Adelman will choose to bench Yao on the 2nd game of the back to back. If they are really committed to keeping Yao healthy for the playoffs than they should take this option into strong consideration to avoid any injuries/fatigue whatsoever. What do you guys think?
Yes, Yao is not Tmac. If Yao can play, he should. If he cant, then maybe it is time for the organization to move on. We can't be dealing with this foot injury precaution every damn season now. Only time he should maybe sit out back-to-backs is near the end of the season when we should be resting him for the playoffs.
He needs to gain sufficient stamina and strength before playing back to backs. The Rockets need to be cautious.
i dont see why. It's not like he'll play 40 mins many nights, if at all. I think it's pointless to sit him for games when he'll be practicing or doing something basketball related plenty of times back to back throughout the season. There's a difference between the back to backs of old where he'd play 40 and 36 mins and this year, where he should play 25 and 25, or something like that.
He shouldn't play more than 26, 28 minutes at most in any game, so hopefully he should be ok for back-to-backs.
In his first season back from major reconstructive foot surgery, why wouldn't you do what you can to try to keep him healthy? As for the OP's question, basically it depends. First half or second half of the season? How many minutes did he play on the first night? How many games have they played in the past couple days? Does the team have some some days off after the back-to-back? I think for the first few months, they'll definitely be more cautious. If all goes well, hopefull he won't be limited at all in back-to-backs or in terms of minutes by February or so. But there won't be a set formula until we see him on the court. Keep in mind, we're not just testing his foot. For the first few months, the team's also going to be working him back into NBA shape.
As long as Yao wants to go, I say let him. I know, of course he will always say he wants to play...just that kind of guy. But, you roll the dice and hope for the best. Sitting him is fine, I just don't want to under use the guy. Don't live life to cautious.
I don't mind taking it slow and being cautious, especially at the beginning of the season right after his surgery. But at the same time, not knowing if your center piece, who is a huge part of your teams success, will play consistently later on in the season can have detrimental effects for a team, as seen in past seasons. I love Yao but I would also like to give him a good run to see where he's at and if we should resign him and continue to build the team around him.
all depends on how the foot responds to NBA level competiton....as well as his stamina. but at first, I feel his minutes in back-to-backs should be even more limited than before.
Haha, without this thread, I'd almost forgotten how much of a pansy McGrady was that he had to sit out the second game of back to backs for his last season here... the incomparable TMac, truly in a league of his own in pansiness, wasn't he.
I agree with you on this, my only concern would be if he were to get injured right away. I think its best to work him into playing back to backs.
Remember when T-Mac didn't play the 2nd game of back to backs? Chemistry problems and we were getting screwed
Yes. It's my only hope of seeing him play since the chicago game is the second half of a back-to-back. Please, Rick Adelman. Play Yao back-to-back at least for that game!
I think Yao's injury depends on the coach and Yao himself. I believe he was so competitive and want to win every game that he literally overworked himself without regard to how tire he is. And also Adelman overworked him during close games because he doesn't want to lose any edges. And he sees Yao as their greatest hope of breaking the lead. I mean who doesn't?? If you have Duncan, you would want to utilize him in close game situation, right? And I do not think Adelman think Yao's foot would be a problem. Heck, even Yao didn't know!! That's what happened when you overworked and lost sense of any feeling and tiredness because all you think about is winning. Even as a fan, every time i see the game close, I want Yao in the game right away....just can't help it. Forget a breather....WE NEED YAO to stay the lead....we need Yao to break the lead....you just don't mind if he overworked...it's all about winning. So now one year later....we (and i hope we learn our lesson), that include Yao. He needs to monitor his energy...if he's tired he need to let the coach know and want out....there's got to be consistent minutes of rest. Maybe some night, you can overwork him...i dunno it depends on the game...but then EVERY GAME is competitive?? Especially in Playoffs...we especially need Yao to overwork??
I would go with how Yao Ming feels on any particular night. He should make a cameo appearance at least! After all many fans will be paying to see that Houston Giant!
the rockets arent a championship team this season, so it's best to be careful about yao. dont let him play on back to backs. let the team gel with him and without him. then let him go full steam next year.
