Yao #1 I just wanted you guys to read the last paragraph. YaoMania is truly rolling into an avalanche. Twenty-four games into the NBA season, we are re-opening the question as to who is the second-best center in the league today. Who knows? In another 58, we may find out that the answer is Shaquille O'Neal .
Yeah, the next time Yao and Shaq matches up, Yao should "accidentally" step on Shaq's big toe. Maybe then, it could become true.
Wow, Shaq the 2nd best center at the end of THIS season??!! But I won't be surprised at all if that happens after watching how Shaq was playing against the Nets last night on national TV. As for Ming, as good as he is playing right now, he still has a lot of rooms to grow and he is picking up real fast. Here is a scoop. When asked why he has been blocking more in recent games (5 against Miami , 6 against Pacers), Ming said "I am more used to NBA now. I have been worrying about defensive 3 secs too much before and had to leave zone real quick, but now I am not worried. Actually the refs won't blow the whistle even if you hang in there, everybody does that and the refs don't care". In other words, this 5/6 blocks might be quite common for Ming in the future. In addition to Ming's quick learning, he has got better teammates which definitely makes his job much easier. Call me an optimist, but I think Rockets will go all the way this year. Shrimpie
Too early for that. The playoffs are a different animal and not only Yao, but Steve and Eddie and others have some learning to do there. That said, I think our timetable is getting faster. And the Kings may soon realize that they only have a one or two year window to get something done. My guess with the way the Lakers have looked so far, maybe the Lakers this year, but probably the Kings/Mavs. Mavs next year, and the following year, Houston for a run of a few. I would say the Kings this year for sure, but after that playoff choke job by everyone except bibby, I'm not sure they have the heart.
well, for a pure NBA-only player, that may be true. Playoff & the ring are the most important. But for an international player, the Olympic Gold Medal is the ultimate test. I'm pretty sure YM has been thoroughly tested during the Olympic games, Asian games, or even CBA(Chinese) Championship games (YM did a perfect 22/22 FG in the CBA Final). So mentally it should not be a problem for YM. But physically, maybe. Let's wait and see. Go ROX! Go YM!
I think it is just the opposite: tough times ahead for the other NBA teams. If the other Rocket's players ever learn how to blend their games with Ming, the Rockets will be a legitimate FORCE! Frances and Mobley still don't fully know how to play with Ming. (their getting better) When they figure it out, LOOK OUT! And, Ming will get better, stronger, more aggressive. Twenty plus rebound games are on the way. Ming and Cato are dominating the middle. Rebounds abound and shooting accuracy over 60%. When the outside players start hitting their shoots consistently, oh my!
