I still remember the words by PAT that time before we select Yao. haha time flies, how sweet Yao proves that people who were anti him are wrong
It's hard to see it at that time. If not for the stupid crash, Jay Williams may now develop some great game. As for Yao, I still have some lingering doubts.
I read an article about Yao a couple of years before he came over and was amazed at the thought of him playing I the NBA. I sat there telling my brother, "if only we could get this dude...". I just knew there was no way that it would happen (unless he pulled a SF3). When we won the lottery I was jumping and yelling at the top of my lungs for like an hour. Yes, a little melodramatic... SF3, "Well, I know we don't need a point guard."
At the time, I would have supported trading the number one pick for another star player....as I didn't think Yao would blossom into a 25 and 10 guy. I figured he's at best be a Sabonis - and at worst a bust. Give Yao credit - his work ethic is what made the difference.
Only fools wanted williams over Yao. Yao will most likely be the greatest rocket ever when his career is done.
I only became a Rockets fan because of Yao. So I can't vote but like to make a comment. Though I am a Yao fan all the way, I never thought he would be this good back then. He looked like a bust in his first NBA game. But today, the way he played this year before his injury was insane. Yao still have couple years to develop, I think. He will be more dominate next year for sure.
When we won the lottery i immediatly got a SMS from a friend(a laker fan) with the message: Congratulations with Yao ming
lol turned this thread into a 5 star mode I wasn't really into the draft that year, my opinion doesnt count
