I love this analogy, and I think it's fairly on the mark. From Bill Walton's latest column at ESPN: -------------------------------------------------------------- The sky is yellow, the sun blue Yao Ming's transition to the NBA is the most difficult one that any player has ever attempted. The unrealistic expectations of early excellence and achievement are doing this fine young man and terrific talent a grave injustice. It is hard enough for any human being to join the NBA. But how difficult it must be with no training and preparation? It would seem to be the same situation that Bob Dylan faced at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival when he tried something that he had never done before (plug in his guitar). And they booed him off the stage, ultimately prompting the response that if you've never been booed -- you've never done anything. Like Dylan, Yao Ming undeniably has the gifts. The package is complete but it's just going to take some time to open and polish it up. Yao Ming will not be the first NBA rookie to fail to win the championship, lead the league in scoring or be the MVP in his initial go-round. For some perspective, where was the glaring microscope on Kwame Brown last year. And he is a player who has lived his whole life in this "Throw It Down, In Your Face" culture. --------------------------------------------------------
I used to hate Bill Walton. And for all his stupid comments ("Throw it down big man!"), he really is a VERY intelligent basketball mind, and a pretty good guy. I think this is an awesome comparison from the redhead deadhead
"Come gather round people wherever you roam, admit that with Yao Ming the Rockets will grow" -The Times They Are 'a Changin
Walton is the man, you just have to get used to him. Oh and mark it down... Yao Ming jumped tonight November 12th, 2002.
Yao looked better tonight. He's making progress. He should show us what he can do by the end of the season. And from next year on, watch out NBA.
I liked how Yao showed a little attitude defensively with that block. If he does that more often, opponents will be a little more afraid.
other than rudy and rockets, walton has easily been the most vocal backer of yao. it seems like he makes sure to compliment him at every chance.
I used to dislike Bill Walton ALOT, but he has been good Yao, even though he NEVER had nice things to say about Dream.
I thought Bill Walton was always VERY Pro-Hakeem and Pro-Rockets. I don't have any specific quotes, but I know there was a thread a while ago that mentioned several occasions where Walton praised Dream.
Yeah, Walton is a big Dream fan. It's Clyde that he tore into a little bit in the 95 playoffs because he'd score a lot of his points in the first few quarters and not do much in the 4th.
I was just remembering those stupid, sarcastic remarks me would make when we played either the, Jazz, or the Lakers, or the Knicks, you know back when we had Dream, Barkley and Clyde, it always seemed like he was rooting for whoever we were playing against.
Look out kid Don't matter what you did Walk on your tip toes Don't try "No Doz" Better stay away from those That walk around with claw toes..... this could get interesting
