I believe your question has been answered; most if not all of the posts are about "basketball" issues. No mention of Yao being Chinese. I don't think nationality is an issue with most "hardcore" Rockets fans. I don't think they would care if he is a Vulcan if he helps the team win. Personally, I am very high on Yao and believe that he will have a huge impact. He appears to be a very intelligent player; along with his size and skills, I really think his "smarts" will help him progress more rapidly than most think he will.
During the Phoenix series, the commentators were making comments regarding the number of empty seats in the arena. Houston lost the first two games of that series. I believe the streak of 176 consecutive sellouts began after the 94 championship. Personally, I haven't tried to make comparisons about New York and Houston. I think some of you guys just jump on the name I choose, and I really regret choosing it because had I not put it there, no one would start jumping to these stereoptypical conclusions. Just deal with it ok? I have my own set of opinions, and I think the whole cultural bias against Yao argument is a load of b.s. The guy went to one camp and played against a few teams in the WC. He's never played against physical competition day in and day out for even a month. I think all of you who think he's going to just waltz in and make Houston a contender are living a fantasy and you're going to be disappointed. Hey, if that's not the case, that's great, I'm a Rockets fan, that's why I am here. The fact is Houston Attendance has sucked as soon as they were a lottery team, while chicago still sells out. If that makes you feel like lashing out at someone because you hate New yorkers, hey, go ahead, do what makes you feel better. As for a cultural bias against Asians, I am a freakin asian. I'd like nothing more then Yao to do well, but the fact is history is stacked against him. The things said about Yao have been said about MANY MANY players. Potential doesn't win games or create greatness, and right now, all Yao is unproven potential.
new yorker- first off any poster that continues to compare yao to shawn bradley is a moron. simple as that and i apoligize. it's very obvious that you're biased against ming no matter what facts have been shown to you. you don't have to like him, you don't have to praise him but all your responses revolve around BS to try and support your double-standard against him. high schoolers are more prepared? having a strong base means nothing? hmm, why don't you tell that to antonio davis? learn something about yao and come back with some kind of legit reason why you dislike him so much. anyways, there's a bias against ming mostly because of the unknown. that's understandable and it's no surprise that when people see him actually play(nba players) or read more about him, they understand why he was drafted #1.
The only reason Chicago still sells out often is because they thought Jordan was going to be still there. And Thats a fact. The Jerry's had advanced tickets knowing that they would not bring back Phil "Zen Master" Jackson because of the huge amount of money he was asking. It's not that Chicago has blind loyalty to the Bulls, but they have blind loyalty to where their money goes.
You said that "people were skeptical of Kobe and Garnett" when they first came into the league. But, then your next statement you say that Kwame Brown was a bust. But, Kwame was no worse than Jermain O'neal in his first year. Kobe's first year, he was just a *little bit* better (jacking up shots doesn't equate to "better."). Kwame will be a very good player. If you want a bust, it's Joe Smith: 4 teams in seven years (1st overall pick). I think you're going to eat your words regarding Yao's skill level against NBA players. Yao will dominate weaker players and average players, but struggle against the elite. But so what!? I'd say that's pretty good for a rookie!
For the doubters, behold the wisdom of some other posters': Yao, Now, Wow. Ming, King, Ring. This is known as Haiku of the millenium.
BadaBoom BadaMing. NewYorker you need to get a grip. Get a white castle hamburger and a pop, and stop brigging your bull-s*** around here. Because no one wants to here it.
(1) Try again. Only one game of that Houston-Phoenix series did not sell out. It was the afternoon of Mother's Day. Not an excuse, but perhaps a justification. (2) You haven't? Try: or or even (3) Most people realize Yao Ming is not going to come in and dominate. However, saying that a high school baller coming into the league has played against the same talent Yao Ming has (on both a regular and irregular basis) is just a fallacy. Also, remember a little thing called the Olympics? (4) Please check your facts. You consistently make mistakes in your posts and ignore the corrections.
I am definitely a Yao Ming fan. How could you not be excited about a man 7'5 and almost 300 lbs regardless of what color or race he is. Not to mention he has pimpin skills. I have watched Yao in the World Games and saw how easily he ran the court, shot the ball and blocked shots. He was a Man among Boys. If he had anykind guardplay on the Chinese team, he would have average 30 a game. With Francis and Moochie dishing out assists, Yao will be something to see. Get the Shawn "Stickman" Bradley comparisons out of your mind and think more of a poor man's Dream! The Rockets will win 50 games this season if they avoid serious injuries to Francis, Cuttino, and other key players.
I love how you twist my words around. I said I didn't come in here trying to make comparisons. I made criticisms of Houston and people immediated attacked New York because of my name on here. Someone claimed that Houston had advantages to NY is living standards, and I agreed...and you use it as "me trying to make comparisons". That's just totally misleading. Yes, I've labeled Houston a fair-weathered city that lacks a lot of cultural things other places have. I don't say that to put Houston down, I say it because I think it's true. I am getting pulled into this argument that I really am not interested in. Can we just stick to sports? The fact is that top High School player play against college and NBA talent as soon as their are identified as such. They play in places like the Bellvue in Philly and many unofficial "camps" - places similar to Westside. My compasions of Yao to Shawn Bradley are not in the realm of ability. Yao does appear to have raw basketball skills that could lead him to greatness. But the same thing was said about so many others before him that turned into busts. I'm just saying, let Yao earn it instead of assuming he's going to be great. I'm skeptical of most players...I'm skeptical of Jay Williams. Do I think the Rockets made a mistake in drafting Yao? No. I don't. I think they had to. But right now he is just potential. And he could end up a bust. He's no Hakeem, Kareem, or Shaq coming into the league. Why does that make people so angry?
Why isn't he a Hakeem, Shaq or Kareem? I think he should be held to that standard. No. 1 pick, 7' 6" tall, athletic, already a seasoned professional. He better not be a bust... Francis was held to that level. Why not Yao Ming? I'm getting tired of everyone giving this guy a break. He needs to get his ass over here and perform. Mesh with the great talent we have and thrive on it. There is absolutely no reason a guy like him shouldn't be great right out of the chute. Especially when he is surrounded by Francis, Mobley, Taylor, Rice, Griff, KT, Boki, Moochie, Cato, et al. He must be more than just a rookie...
