I didn't get to see the game, but saw some of the highlights on ESPN. There were at least two foul calls that just seemed to come from nowhere. There was one that was especially disturbing, it looked like Ming just did a typical post-up on somebody and he got called for an offensive foul. Could someone, who was actually watching the game and getting to see the replays explain the foul calls? What was Yao doing wrong, and what could he have done to prevent the foul calls? I know he's a rookie, and it's to be expected that he won't get a whole lot of calls, but I wonder if refs will be even more tough on him than a typical rookie for some reason. I thought all along that Ming's biggest problem is going to be foul trouble, and last night's game didn't make me feel too much better about it.
He got one offensive foul fighting for position. That call is not made in International competition. Robinson got a Rodman type foul on him (hooked his arm and then flailed off him) that made it look like Yao pushed him. Again, that was fighting to stop Robinson from getting offensive position. That call is not made in International competition. He got a foul on a block attempt at the rim by Jackson???. I don't recall the 4th one.
I'm sure the Rockets coaches noted the type fouls and will work with him on how the NBA will call it. I still think his timing and speed were off from the last few days activities. That's a big factor too. He looked a little sluggish, but again that may be the speed adjustment he needs to make to the NBA. Let's give him a little time and rest to catch up. All these things are why Rudy played him early. To correct what is seen and get him acclimated to the NBA ASAP.
DC, heypartner nailed it..the fouls were almost all from the difference in how International rules are called and how the NBA calls em..I wouldnt get too concerned about it just yet. He's a smart kid and will make the adjustments necessary. If we get a few weeks into the season, and we still see these kinds of fouls..then we may have a problem. Lots of people were sayin he would pick up fouls because he's too weak to hold position or too slow to compensate for the much vaunted speed of the players..I dont agree, he looks plenty strong enough to hold his position...and I dont expect him to take too long to adjust to the speed differences...
the other thing that dawned on me was that he got those two fighting-for-position calls partly because he does *indeed* have the ability to dislodge Robinson from his position using his lower torso. Shawn Bradley never would have had enough strength to make that foul. So, imo, 2 of the fouls were good fouls. You rarely get that called on you, and it might take the refs some getting used to that Ming is strong enough to dislodge. Technically though, dislodging is a foul. You may not use your butt or your legs to lift someone out of their position. yeah right!
As long is it not blatant, I look at those types of fouls as just being aggressive - which is what you want. Rudy & Co. can have him tone that down the right amount as opposed to trying to teach or tell him to be agressive ala' Cato. That was a little you are not going to show up a "Top 50" on his home court too...
I thought they called a couple on Yao a little quick but he'll learn what he can get away with and adapt. What I think I'll end up doing is b****ing about how they let other players manhandle Ming and then call him for touch fouls. (ie see the photo on the front page of CC.net - If Robinson is touching him at all with the other hand it's a foul, 2 hands in the back against a post player should be an automatic foul, but he's so big I doubt he gets that call)
If all the refs are watching Yao Ming (ala 23) then the rest of our team should be able to get away with murder.
He could do crazy tonight - at home, second game, and a lesser opponent. If he plays 20 mins or more tonight he will have 15 pts.
i'd expect more like 10 & 6 in his second game. increased minutes, but similar foul troubles and lack of offensive continuity.
Every Rookie has to pay his dues. Just a fact of the NBA. He will be alot better tonight . I wish we still had olajuwon to help coach him.
the offensive foul they called on him was complete BS. He was bullying robinson, got awesome post position, and just as the pass was thrown to him, the ref just blew the whistle seemingly at random. It surely would have been a huge throwdown for ming. Oh yeah, it was his third foul, so he had to leave the game. I just love when the refs simply choose to remove someone from the game for no reason.
Kinda off the threads topic, but did anyone else pay real close attention to the two hard fouls on Ming last night? I felt the first one was hard, but clean. The second foul, I believe from Ferry, I thought was borderline flagarent. Ferry did not look like he was going for the ball and his left arm was on top of Ming's shoulder forcing him down to the ground.
