I think Yao will make the All Star team this year outright, and not because of the voting in China. If he continues this level of play, there is no question that he should be right behind Shaq. I know its early and 2 games does not an all star season make, but its obvious the guys confidence and value has grown exponentially every game. He's not even on the All Star ballot, but he belongs.. The only reason he won't make it is because Don Nelly will most likely be coaching and will probably put Bradley on the team instead.. (and we know Nellie will only give Francis 2-5 min. of playing time so all the Mavs get 30 min.)
Ahh.. my mistake.. I heard he wasn't from Van Gundy last night but should've checked myself.. Thanks dawg.
Does anyone know when they are going to release the numbers on how the All Star voting is going? I and VERY curious to see how Yao is doing.
It wouldn't surprise me right now if Yao was the leading vote getter. I'm not just talking about China either. A lot of people out there are really eager to see this guy play. Moreover, he and Shaq will be on the same side. Wouldn't that be devastating if they were on the floor together on the same side. The Eastern All-Stars might forfeit!
I cannot see how Ming makes the all star team (outside of china voting). The fans only vote for the starting players, and he would have to get more votes then Shaq. I doubt Francis makes the team. His only chance is the fans voting as well. I doubt the coaches would put Franics in the game over Andre Miller, Gary Payton, Steve Nash, etc... and Ming would probably have a hard time being voted by the coaches as well. Not that they dont deserve it, but the fans would have to put both of them into that game.
Hell, yeah, he's playing like a ROY right now. And that's just the beginning. If you notice, he hasn't taken any serious steps backwards. He let's the game come to him and isn't forcing anything. If Yao was on the Bulls, Grizzley's, or Nuggets team, he'd be scoring 30 point night in and night out. But, Yao is sizing up his team mates, after he does that, look for him to take control of the destiny of the Rockets.
Shaq will take it personal if Yao is starting ahead of him in the ALL STAR game. I was afraid he was going to get it the "wrong way" thanks to his Asian fans but now after a national TV unleashing of the dragon, it will not be much of a surprise anymore if he continues on this path. By tomorrow morning he will be leading the NBA in FG% shooting accuracy by more than 10 %age points. I would have loved him to have those 3 days off to recoup but the Rookie all star coaches would choose him regardless. So if he is going to go why not with the big boys? It will be a possitive experience for. The NBA commissioners office would love to have YAO in Atlanta for the ASG - for TV ratings of course. They will do whatever it takes. Everybody wants to see YAO. I myself cannot have enough of him - can you imagine a grown man like me not being able to sleep last night? feeling 94/95 all over again? WOW YAO!
Consider that Shaq hasn't even played a game yet and Yao is the most talked about player in the league. It's highly probable Yao will outpoll Shaq even if the coaches don't select him.
I think he has to have a shoe in, beacause of China. They have like thousands of people that live there.
One thing I don't understand. When I went to the Cleveland game and casted my 100 votes, I noticed on a sign that it said 25 ballots = 10 votes. Can anyone explain this? Btw, if anyone else was at the game, I actually got to shoot a free throw at half time for being one of the first ones to turn in my ballots. Of course I was the first to shoot and bricked it, dam I was nervous. I think I was sitting next to G during the game, Section 223 row H seats 7 and 8, he was louder than the rest of the section! Pugs
Same thing happened to Dream. Dream was the better player, but David Robinson was starting. It's all about who is popular. But that is good for the game anyway.
I think the Franchise is almost a lock to be the voted on starting point guard for the Western All-Star Squad. His numbers are gaudy and he is a highlight reel which a majority of the voting public loves. I really hope some anomaly occurs and Yao is the starting center over Shaq. I despise Shaq but he is the MVP, the finals MVP, and the most dominating player in the game. I think with the lack of centers that Yao will get named by the coaches to the Western squad reserves. I see: Shaq Duncan Garnett Kobe Franchise with reserves like : Yao, Webber, Nowitski, Nash, Finley, Payton and maybe an Andre Miller or Elton Brand
His only competion last year was Payton, who's Sonics have been on fire this year, so Payton should receive more votes then last year. Then you have Andre Miller, Bobby Jackson & Steve Nash. Nash was somewhat unknown last year (nationally), but running the hotest team in the NBA should nearly make him a lock for the starting spot. Then just a few years ago, the coaches took Finley over a backup PG on the squad, so who knows what will happen. As a Rockets fan, I definately think Francis deserves to be there, but will the coaches votes him in if he does not get the fan vote. Shaq missing part of the season does not benefit Ming. Francis and Webber made the team, while missing major time. If anything, it brings more attention to how valuable they are to their team.
Nash is not a lock for the starting spot in any way...Francis gets a lot of national attention and acclaim, including endorsement deals...this year he is having an even better season than last year...and among the leaders in the stat most nba all star voters care about most, points scored. Francis may not be voted in...but Nash is hardly a lock
My point was that Nash is NEARLY a lock for the starting spot ( IF THE MAVERICKS are still the hotest team come the all star game). That is alot of exposure for Nash (if it happens) and will definately increase his votes significantally. Payton is a serious threat for that spot, and his team is doing better then the Rockets this season. Franics is definately the top PG in the west, skill wise. But Nash & Payton make their teammates better, which will help them out with the coaches votes. We just need to keep our fingers that Franics can pull out the fan vote.
