Yao is pooped. It's obvious to everyone. The combination of playing non-stop, shooting commercials, answering questions in 2 different languages and adjusting to Houston life and traffic, he's just mentally and physically exhausted. For once I'd like for Rudy to think outside the box and make a short-term adjustment and let Yao skip the road trip. That would give him 4 days before facing the Mavericks. Playing 3 games in 4 days will not help him recuperate. At this stage, if he doesn't get some rest now, he won't be effective the rest of the season. He's already started to struggle big time. It's not a one game phenomenon. He's been struggling for the last 2 weeks. Rudy lets his players dictate what happens way too much. When he tells Yao to stay at home and rest, Yao says he's fine. Next thing you know, he's back at practice. This is not a perserve Yao rant. This is starting to hurt the team. The final straw for me was Yao's pathetic 2-6 from the line. He is a dead eye shoter and for him to miss those FT's, demonstrates how out of sorts he is. The fact Yao was voted onto the All-Star team will negate any time he would have otherwise had during the All-Star break. This is your chance Rudy. Play an ineffective tired player for 20 minutes a night and get sub-par performances or bite the bullet for the longer road ahead.
How can Chicago or other cities ALLOW Rockets to rest Yao Ming at home? Chicago is expecting a sell-out crowd showing up at the game with Houston. How can NBA ALLOW Rockets to rest Yao Ming at the All-Star-Game? Yao Ming is the most important part to promote NBA to the world.
Why stop there? If it is up to me, I would have put him on injury and give him a good 2 to 3 weeks rest. The way he played the last two weeks, Kato is doing a much better job.
Who cares about the NBA. They do not control the Rockets like China controls Yao Ming. Resting Yao is what's in the best interest of the team and him. Sorry if Chicagoans are pissed that they missed the Yao roadshow. Maybe they shouldve traded up to get him. The NBA has 0 say on this issue.
Agreed. It is obvious. As much as I would like to see the Rockets introduce Yao to American Culture and give him a Spring Break, I don't think Yao's pride and professionalism would allow him to do that. He'd feel like he's distinguishing himself from his teammates and getting preferential treatment. I think it would take a team consensus, and not just Rudy telling him, for him to do it. If he does take the time off though, I'd like to see him take MoT with him- just to keep him off the court. But that just me.
For a while I did not buy this yao is tired thing, but I agree now. The Bulls will get plenty of chances over the years to see Yao Ming. I say sit him out for two weeks. But its not going to happen.
The Rockets should put Yao on the injury list, which will ensure him to miss at least next five games, include the All-Star weekend. He can show & dress up for the All-Star game, but not play.
It won't happen because Rudy is either too myopic to realize what he should and must do, too cowardly to deal with the potential 2nd guessing in case the team loses, or too undisciplined - letting his players talk him out of something obvious. Rudy is either stupid or cowardly. This is not a Yao-only type response. This is what's in the best interest of the team for the rest of the season. There will be no stretch of time to rest Yao from now until the Playoffs. Cutting back his minutes has not worked as he is ineffective when he's been in the lineup. Rest him now for a minimum of 2 games or continue to wear out one of your best players.
Knock on wood, but I'm likely to compare the present situation with Yao to what happened to Kerry Wood with the Cubs his rookie year. They overused him and he got hurt. And why? Because that is what happens with overworked, fatigued muscles. I really worry for Yao. No athlete wants to admit something like that, but he needs the rest.
I agree and I have suggested in my other posts that Yao should be put on IL NOW. The man is dead tired and in need of a shutdown. As far as the rest of the league goes, they can go screw themselves. I don't root for the NBA. I am a Rox fan.
I totally agree. The Rockets have enough talent to win without him. Yao was originally projected as a bench warmer for this year. It's not gonna happen but I wish The Rockets should put Yao on the IL for 2 months or more. I would love to see him totally get away from basketball. Yao needs to rest and refresh his mind, body, and soul. This will help Yao and everybody in the long run.
Put Yao on the IR for the standard 5 games after the all-star game and see how he comes back with 2 weeks rest. Hopefully this can rejuvenate him because he is getting out played by Cato right now.
besides putting him on the IR, who is making the decision to let him fly everywhere to make these stupid commercials? I can't believe if he is too tired to play bb, they allow him this side show crap. Someone needs to get their priorities in order!
Yao is the one who ultimately agrees to do commercials. The problem with Yao is he can't say no to anyone. He wants to please everyone. It's time for someone close to Yao to stop being so nice and get his priorities together. Rest, yoga, eggnog, whatever. Just do something to concentrate only on playing well every game.
It's time for us to put him on the Injured list whether he likes it or not. Either that, or he can suit up and NOT play for 5 games. He should just be completely OFF for 1 week. No games, no practice, no commercials. Just take 5 days, use a sauna frequently, and get a massage like Busta Rhymes and P Diddy got in the viedeo for "Pass The Courvousier II". After 5 days of that, he can do some light swimming for one day, then practice the next day, before resuming his play with the Rockets.
