Last night against the Rockets Malick scored 9 points on 3/5 from the field. He also had 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. His solid efforts in Long Beach continue. It should be interesting to see what the Rockets decide to do once they wrap things up at the SPL. Still no word on which way they are leaning. My gut feeling right now tells me if Malick continues to impress over the last few games in Long Beach, do not be surprised if Patrick takes him under his wing and the Rockets sign him to a two-year-deal. We'll see..... On another topic, its too bad Yao won't train in the states as Malick did this past summer. Malick gained 17 pounds (all muscle) in 5 weeks training in Cleveland, and his on-court game improved greatly during that time. I can only imagine what similar trainers could do with Yao if he stuck around for the summer.
I know we knew what we were getting when we signed Yao and him going back to China every year, but I agree with you. I would love to see Yao train here and workout with weights the way we do and not play all around ball and get burned out a few years earlier than he should. Sooner or later he will stay stateside when China finally lets go of him.
I posted this in another thread, but it seems appropriate here too: Unfortunately, but truthfully, if the Bad Man were allowed to stay here, most of the board would be calling him a bust next season because he couldn't earn significant playing time. By sending him to Europe the board will be grousing that we sent a would-be savior away -- but the Rocks then can bring back Badiane to the strains of a triumphant march. Familiarity breeds contempt, and absence makes the heart grow fonder -- that sort of thing. Most board members have no patience and will be calling for his head on a platter within a year. Look at the way the board turned on Steve, Cat, Griffin, Moochie, et al. It's better that the Bad Man goes back to Europe for his development rather than have to endure today's fans / tomorrow's doubters.
Thumbs you hit it right. If he stays he will not play much and everyone will be asking why we took a roster spot for someone who cannot play. I would like to see him stay, not to play, but just to get the work with our other big men.
In a perfect world, me too. I think he could make more progress here than in Europe. However, the "fans" on this board are so fickle, he would be sliced, diced, chewed and spit out before he was 20.
