Payback can be a b!tch: Preseason, Duncan's rookie year, Barkely came to town and left with a quote that was basically: "That guy is better right now than I have ever been". Based on what has happened since, Sir Charle's statement was quite prophetic. The Spurs have accumulated a ring, and basically made the I-10 rivalry relatively lopsided. Now Ming comes to the SBC Center. Matchup-wise, traditionally, Rockets guards, when healthy, simply abuse the Spurs. They have the creativity that the Spurs methodical defense has trouble addressing (especially mid-range scoring). This has been offset in recent years by the complete domination of Duncan and Robinson down low. Regardless of scoring impact, if Ming can contain Duncan, without requiring double team help, the Spurs will have a great deal of trouble matching the Rockets bucket for bucket - this year, next year, forever (unless the SA all-Euro backcourt develops beyond even my high expectations). I will be interested to see tonite if Ming and Duncan get matched 1 on 1. These are both experienced players, mano a mano, from a meaningless pre-season game, could come a meaningfull moment. Does Duncan just abuse him, go around him like he's standing still, ala Bradley, or does Ming force a pass-out, bad shot, or block?
Hard to say but in time, Ming will abuse Duncan. I always thought that Ming and Duncan were similar. Both our finesse type players that are very efficient and skilled at facing the basket. But in time, Ming will be a taller/stronger and better shooting version of Duncan. Mr. B
Right now, tonight I would not be surprised to see Duncan abuse Ming. How can he not? Duncan is probably the best forward in the game right now. Ming is a rookie. Never played a lick of NBA ball. Does not know the rockets system. The two cannot be compared right now. Give Ming some time though, and Mr. Duncan better look out.
Duncan is a 4 and Ming is a 5. It probably that Griffin will match up with Duncan more often than Ming will. Of course, with Robinson's retirement, Duncan may move to the 5. On the other hand, Duncan might not be in SA much longer.
Keep in mind that I said "IN TIME". But I completely stand behind my statement. I do understand how good Duncan is but more importantly I understand how good Yao can become. Mr. B
Whoa Horsey!! Ming has a lot of potential and a lot of talent, but health permitting, Duncan will be one of the all-time great big men. He'll probably replace Karl Malone as the greatest PF of all time (whatever that means). Let Ming play a game first before you make that kind of declaration.
No the place for it, but Duncan's not going anywhere. The rest is really my point; and why I would like to see the dynamic of "can Ming guard Duncan"? Right now only 2 players in the league can consistently have ANY success, for even a limited time, guarding him w/o double team help - Shaq & Garnett; will Ming be a third? If he is, the Spurs are screwed. The Spurs have NO answer for Francis + Mobley. It's just this fear I've got. Anyway, y'all enjoy the game tonite - I'm off.
Thanks for your take, 101 6 7. It's nice to hear some intelligent discussion from the fan of another team for a change. How is Robinson's back doing? Is he playing tonight? Man, I want to watch this game. Is it broadcast in SA? Austin's not that far. Food for thought.
Duncan may replace Kevin McHale, not Karla Malone, as the greatest PF of all time. If Ming ever matches Duncan skill wise, then the Rockets will be set for the future. Players like Tim Duncan only come along every 5 years or so.
I believe that this match up will become moot point, he will be doubled by Griff if in fact Ming is on him. Don't forget how much of an impact Griff seems to be capable of having on a game. He may not be a house hold name yet but defensively no one can deny that Griff is an astonishing defensive player. All of that having been said Duncan will probably abuse Ming today, probably. As an aside I think that if he is not extremely nervous, Ming can also get his against Duncan. It will be an interesting match up tonight indeed.
robert horry can guard tim 1 on 1 also...especially in 4th quarters...but we won't reopen that can o' worms...
I just dont entirely understand why the Rockets would want Ming to guard Duncan, which is asking for foul trouble, instead of Griffin.
Yao Ming said two month ago, "I hope the coach put me on Duncan so I can go one on one when we play the Spurs." http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=38181
but that is his first name. and Ming has more meaning than Yao. Ming is combined by Sun and Moon in Chinese.
