Shaq never did have any credibility and Kobe is well, Kobe (aka. the most arrogant SOB to ever play the game, worse than loudmouth Marbury and Sam I Am). What it basically boils down to is that Yao is a triple threat on any play, Amare is not.
I'd like to think that since everyone here loves the Rockets, everyone would also know and remember that any one team is never built around one single player. Let's not be too critical of Yao. The young man still has many years ahead of him, and who's to tell how well he will grow. I wouldn't trade him if I were GM, would you?
I am surprised this thread is still going... Do Phoenix fans talk about Yao as much as we talk about Amare?
I totally agree with you.One more thing, there are many players like Amare in NBA,but only one Yao Ming in NBA.
If Amare was playing for the nuggets he would be getting about as much attention as Nene Halario, no one would think much of him beyond a kid with potential. If Yao was playing for the nuggets, he would be avg close to 20 PPG. Amare is really fortunate to be playing with good players because he is a 0 playing by himself. He needs other good players to make him better because ALL he can do is dunk. A VERY poor man's Shaq.
Good point, if Amare plays on the Rockets he won't average 13 points a game. He'll lose 2 point average solely due to the lack of fast breaks. If Yao plays on the Suns, he'll only average more than his current output.
Just now compared Ming and Amare stats. Ming beat Amare in almost every category except for rebounding. Ming lose that one by less than 1 rbpg, and the difference is offensive rebound. Ming is probably not as aggressive as Amare is, but that is probably all Amare have right now. It is Ming better right now, and the gap only will grow bigger, because finess and skill is not as easy to acuqire as strength and aggressiveness. Plus, Ming is 7 foot 5.
I don't care who they think should win it, these statements obviously display some sort of bias; whether it be racial, or just because Shaq is apparently such good friends with Amare.
Kobe and Shaq can have their own opinion. Although they don't have any evidence to back up their words. Amare can never be as helpful as Yao to his team. He's just showboating all the time. In long term or short term, I will pick Yao over Amare.
Wouldn't it be more fair to compare stats beginning from December seeing as how Yao didn't even come to the country 'til the PRESEASON?!? Again, I'll keep asking until someone tells me. What is it about Amare's game that is so spectacular? As of now, he's a Kenyon Martin without without the defense or offensive game Martin has...no matter how minimal it may be. Martin has also know to be just as explosive, if not more. A player of Yao's size has never displayed such skill, add to that is IQ for the game and there's your ROY. Yes, Yao is receiving a lot of hype because of his game, but the fact that he's a Chinese player doing this is an equal factor as to why he's getting the hype. Throw in his charm, the humbleness, wit, and you've got the total package. I suggest they tell Shaq to continue with his Shaq-packs and pythagorean theorem comments, and Kobe to work on his acting skills so he can replace Bow Wow in "Like Mike 2".
It's too bad that Shaq doesn't thank Yao for the kindness he showed him...asking him to come over for dinner after Shaq's comments If only attitude was a factor...Yao is already top ten in the NBA in maturity
Amen to that! To be honest, I can't even think of another player that is more mature than Yao...and while that's a sad statement towards the NBA today, it also speaks volumes for how great Yao has the chance to become. To respond to the question of this thread, Amare is probably around the 30th best FORWARD right now, and around 60-70th overall. Yao is the #2 or 3 center (stats are slightly worse than B.Miller's, but Yao will pass him by next year), and around 50th overall. These are based are current stats and have nothing to do with potential or 'highlight' factors. Sure they've each had some big games every now and then, but you don't get into the top 20 in the NBA until you play with consistency. (see Amare's numbers from the last 3 games. he has just as many poor games as great games.) 2/19: 11 pts, 3 rebs. 2/21: 14 pts, 6 rebs. 2/23: 13 pts, 8 rebs. nothing to write home about...
Yao Ming has the skills and he can be aggressive, If you look at how they act on the court you are definitely going to say Amare is more aggressive. but if you simply go by demeanor you are looking at it the wrong way. Yao Ming wants to be the best, just because he doesn't scream after dunks and or jump out of the gym doesn't mean he does not want to be one of the best. This season is not the end all... I'd take Yao Ming by a long shot. Watch after this season how much of a monster he will be coming into his sophmore year. STuart
I favor Yao for ROY but the closer we get to the end of the season, the more I believe the league will call a share of the recognition with Yao and Amare as co-ROY's just to avoid debate. It happened before with Francis and Brand.
Whoever says Yao does not have the drive to be the best needs to get their heads examined. The sole reason he came to the NBA was to measure himself up and show he can hang with the big boys of the NBA. Just because he doesnt show it in his demeanor doesnt mean he doesnt have drive ala Duncan. His IQ is very high which is apparent in the way he plays. Everytime he faces an opponents, he learns their tendencies and more often then not, outplays his opponents in the second meeting. He reads what the defense gives him and as time goes by and he faces more double team, he will only get better. Couple that with his defensive presence and good shooting touch and you have the ROY. I think amare will be good but doesnt have the presence that Yao demands.
I don't know how to measure a player's impact on a team. I'd tend to think (Hardaway+Marion+Marbury) > (Francise+Mobley+whoever on Rockets team except Yao). Yet both team have similar records. Pheonix was 22 and 14 with Hardaway in the lineup, 8 and 12 without him. I guess the true difference maker on that team might be Hardaway there because Hardaway is a guy who knows how to play the game, that's something not showing on stats sheet.
Per Stein's Daily Dime - ESPN http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/index# Rookie of the First Two Trimesters: The Rockets' Yao Ming still has the lead here, closely followed by the Suns' Amare Stoudemire, because the transition from China strikes us as even tougher than the transition from high school.
