Taking a break from trade rumors to note a significant date in Rockets history. Hard as it is to believe, 10 years have passed since June 26, 2002, when the Rockets made Yao Ming the first pick in that year's draft. I remember everything like it was yesterday: the selection, the interview and the speculation on whether he would come to the NBA. It's too bad his career ended the way it did. But he brought the Rockets a continent full of new fans and provided some great memories while he was here.
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What a MAN! -end of story from his progression To his dedication...he was a all time Rocket Thanks Yao I was @ game 2 n Dal going p 2-0 as You set the record for FG and points in a playoff game quarter Shaq had previously had the record Also same game tslack said "BrAdely HOW my Azz taste with that Tbag
Everyone else outside of Houston thought he was a bust and shoulda drafted Jay Williams. At least he turned out to be pretty good.
Yao rules. It was a pleasure following his career. Shame that his unique physique couldn't keep up with him long-term, but he was undeniably the most interesting Rocket since Olajuwon.
I was driving home through the mountains and had arranged for Jeff Balke to call me with the outcome. My phone rings and Jeff is screaming his head off "We got Yao... we got Yao...."
I remember the Lottery. It was a Monday afternoon. Or was it a Sunday Afternoon? It was halftime between the Nets and Celtics. I believe it was in NJ, because I think they panned a shot of Continental Airlines Arena (Izod Center) over to another building just down the Street which is NBA HQ. I had a feeling we won when we landed in the top 3. Hell of a great day.
Here's a video I made for him a while back: <iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z7WVB33HOtU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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