Memories of Yao’s injury still make me sad. I remember in 08 in the midst of the streak, Rockets looked like the best team in the league. And out of nowhere, stress fracture that killed arguably our most promising regular season of the 2000’s. In 2007, Yao looked like the MVP, putting in like 28 & 12 only to have a bum like Tim Thomas fall on his leg. Yao did come back but he wasn’t as agile or explosive as earlier in the year. And who can forget 09? Season full of drama and turmoil with TMac. Luckily we still had a lot of depth and some incredible defenders. Got to the second round for the first time since 97. Competitive series and bam before u know it Yao’s foot problems return. Sucks... he could have been an all time great. Even when the game evolved, Yao’s shooting, passing, and feel could have translated well. Pick and pop from 3, feeding backdoor cutters from the high post, play defenses that funnel everything to the interior where they would have to finish over the great wall... sigh
the nba will never see another yao. the stuff he was doing guys at 6’10 can’t do it let alone a guy 7’6 300 lbs. He was special and could have been a multiple time champ and top 10 center alltime. sucks what happened but his talent was undeniable.
it wouldn't even matter that he can't shoot...he's so athletic that he can run the break, round around and cut, get rebounds, and with this great defense that alone is worth it.... he fits perfect on a harden team cuz we don't need his offense.
I wish Yao didn't have to do all the summer duties with China. That plus getting too heavy, he should have stayed lean instead of trying to become Shaq.
Agreed. They should have kept his weight around 280. But I believe the main issue was playing year round. He was and is China’s pride and joy but unwittingly burned him to the ground.
