http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-rockets-yao-stamina&prov=ap&type=lgns <b>Rockets center showing signs of fatigue </b> January 23, 2003 HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Rockets are concerned about Yao Ming's stamina. Signs of fatigue have been showing up for the past several Rockets games for the 7-foot-6 center from China, although he has exceeded expectations since becoming the Rockets' No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. Yao committed five turnovers in 22 minutes and scored six points against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. He had three shots blocked by the Mavericks' Raef LaFrentz. "He's at that stage where he's feeling the season and all the wear and tear,'' coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. Yao is fourth in the NBA in field goal percentage (.518), but he's hitting only 40 percent this month. The issue of Yao's stamina arose following Friday's thrilling first meeting with Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal. Yao blocked O'Neal's first three shots and made a decisive dunk in overtime, sealing the Rockets' 108-104 victory over the Lakers. Since then, the Rockets have lost to the San Antonio Spurs and the Mavericks. Despite several spectacular plays against the Lakers, Yao was outscored 31-10 by O'Neal. In Monday's 87-82 loss to San Antonio, Yao was on the bench as the Rockets' reserves rallied from a 13-point fourth quarter deficit before losing. Following the game in Dallas, Tomjanovich said he hoped to give Yao a couple of days rest before Friday night's home game against the Detroit Pistons.
Yao does look very fatigued, and whos blaming him. He needs to not practice in between games for about a week, and Rudy T needs to limit his playing time up to the All Star Break. After the break and these extended rests, Yao should be fine. It would be better if he didnt play in the All Star Game, but we cant have everything we ask for.
A longer one. But I don't understand what Francis meant. Signs of fatigue have slowed Yao -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets are concerned about Yao Ming's stamina for the rest of the NBA season but they weren't too tired Thursday to celebrate Yao's starting role for the West All-Stars in the NBA All-Star Game Feb. 8. "I love these things (All-Star Game) but we've got to get back focused on getting our job done and he's at that stage where he's feeling the season and all the wear and tear," coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "I'm very happy about those things but I'm also concerned about let's get rested and healthy and make a good run. It's going to be very competitive going down the stretch." Signs of fatigue have been showing up for the past several Rockets games for the 7-foot-6 center from China, although he has exceeded all expectations since becoming the Rockets' No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. In the Rockets' most recent game on Tuesday, Yao committed five turnovers in 22 minutes of playing time and scored six points against the Dallas Mavericks. He had three shots blocked by the Mavericks' Raef LaFrentz. Yao was joined on the All-Star team by guard Steve Francis, who will be a starting guard. Francis said Yao doesn't understand what he has accomplished in his brief NBA career. "He doesn't understand, people that he knows tell him but I don't think he really understands," Francis said. "Hopefully, as the years go by, he'll understand." Yao is fourth in the NBA over the season with a 51.8 field goal percentage but he's hitting only 40 percent this month. The issue of Yao's stamina arose following Friday's thrilling first meeting with Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal. Yao blocked O'Neal's first three shots and made a decisive dunk in overtime sealing the Rockets' 108-104 victory over the Lakers. Since then, the Rockets have lost to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday and the Mavericks. Despite several spectacular plays against the Lakers, Yao was outscored 31-10 by O'Neal. In Monday's 87-82 loss to San Antonio, Yao was on the bench as the Rockets bench rallied from a 13-point fourth quarter deficit before losing. Following the game in Dallas, Tomjanovich said he hoped to give Yao a couple of days rest before Friday night's home game against the Detroit Pistons. Tomjanovich said Yao was eager to return to practice on Thursday. Still, Tomjanovich said he'd keep a close watch on his big star. "I don't project into the future. I just see where we're at," Tomjanovich said. "Sometimes I have a big practice planned. I come in, I've got guys ailing. I've learned to adjust. You can have a mind set and the reality is it doesn't apply. I always ask questions and see how guys are doing."
He is talking cryptically, isn't he? My initial interpretation is Steve perhaps referring to Yao's unwillingness (lack of understanding) to dunk the ball.
I don't understand what Yao didn't understand. Also if Yao didn't understand, why didn't Francis just tell him (through Colin)? But it's probably just a minor thing which isn't worth (them and us) discussing.
I'm pretty sure Steve is saying that Yao doesn't fully grasp how big he's become and how huge of a deal it is that he's starting the All-Star game in his first year. Even though he says he knows, he's saying he can only fully grasp it when he looks back on it.
A great translator and interpreter. Fire Mr. Pine, he made Yao as well as netters here confused, and replace him with Apollo. Houston, we got problem
