The 3rd on my list would be the psychological superiority. That is the ability to translate your competitive fire to your mates and the ability to have the psychological edge on your opponent every game. That's what all the greats had. I would rate it above athleticism. The greatest players can get their teammates to outperform and can get into the heads of the opponent and cause them to underperform and make mistakes. Magic, Bird, Jordan.........they took no crap and they got their mates to perform. They had the psychological advantage going into every game. This is the one thing that I wished Yao had above athleticism. The Psycological Edge.
well said. So are you leaning towards "Yao IS great" or not? I, as mentioned earlier, feel that Yao is a great player. You'll never see another player like him, and that in my opinion defines his greatness. Seriously, the word "unfortunate" has really lost it's meaning during this Yao/McGrady era. The slew of injuries and what not have basically prevented any kind of continuity between the 2. When I watch Yao play, he is unique, (not just because he's 7'6 and Chinese). He is absolutely money in the post and his freethrows are flat out money. His defense has gotten better every year and he really has developed into the force that we want. He really is a great one to watch.
I was watching the series between Orlando and Detroit - Man he was sick!! it was like nobody could stop him, like he didn't even need his teammates. I bet you he is just itching to get back out there. When he is mad - that eye of his straightens out and he doesn't miss anything! I cant wait to see him play!!
David, I can respect that and disagree, you and I have different thresholds to define greatness. I think Yao is a very good player, but not an all time great....at least not yet.... DD
Well, Sampson was another freak of nature no doubt. But he didn't have the refined turn around and overall scoring skillset that Yao possesses. Yao is definitely more fluid while Sampson was quick and agile and quite athletic. If you ask me, Yao's skillset would have a longer lifespan in the NBA than Ralph's athleticism.
DD, I wouldn't put YAO in the all time greats list just yet. He's got to win atleast a title to be considered in that class. However, calling Yao a great player does not necessarily entail he is an All-Time Great. I would call Yao a great player in today's NBA amongst active players. Does that make sense?
I've said this about tracy also because he coast during the regular season. The difference is tracy has dominted for seasons before where as yaos best stretch was for 20 games and the team couldn't win games. I've said it and others have noticed that too many times yao lets his offensive game effect his defensive effect and concentration. When you're a great player, that should never happen. Whether its his upbringing or what,Yao doesn't go into games thinking about dominating the game.
i dont judge to much by mentality, i think thats a bit overrated. but in yao's case i think his biggest issue that has kept him from dominating the game is his lack of athleticism, and so many ppl have suggested this. Yao ming is very limited, but he is very effecient at the same time, so on most occasions it balances out, but on some nights yao mings timing can be very off, he isnt a good defender, he is a pretty good shot blocker, but so was shawn bradley. I dont however think yao ming is as soft as others like to assume he is, but i just think he struggless sometimes because he isnt very athletic.
i would agree, although i have to say, yao ming really as no other competition at the center position other than howard, and i dont even want to hear bynum's name. i think the media is hyping this dude up.
Yao reminds me alot of Tim Duncan.. Fundamental and effecient. I think Yao struggles when he gets tired from boxing out down low due to lack of upper body strength. But, name one 7'6 center with alot of athleticism.
I hear you, and agree Tmac has a unique talent......he is extremely gifted, but his mentality has led him to come up short, every time. It is no coincidence that the team won a first round playoff series last year without him dominating the ball and walking it up the court. So, I actually view him carrying the team much differently, I know he was doing what he was comfortable doing and has had enough success to justify it (at least in his mind) that it was the right thing to do...... But, I actually think that mentality was holding the team back somewhat, in fact the Dallas series is a prime example...Tmac was amazing in the first two games, but because he is not the type of player that can keep it up over the course of a 7 game series, ultimatly it will lead to failure....because he will still dominate the ball, make all the decisions, and take the most shots.....and frankly, as good as he is....he is NOT good enough to play that way, the ball just does not go in enough for him to warrant that type of trust in him. And my biggest issue...is that he doesn't realize this......... Truly, I want him traded, but I also realize we will be getting back pennies on the dollar..... Honestly, if I had to grudgingly admit it, the best thing for the team would be that Tracy comes back, humbled by last year's team success, trusts his teamates more than ever, and grows into more of a facilitator......I would LOVE FOR THAT TO HAPPEN..... The problem I have, is that I Just can't trust him anymore.....he has lost my faith. If Tmac were a religion he would be like the Roman Gods, too many people just don't believe in them/him anymore. I will cheer wildly for the Rockets whether he plays here or not, and if he has matured at the age of 30, then I will gladly eat crow. In fact, that would be my biggest hope, that he serves me a heaping helping of Tmac infused crow..... Because right now.....all I see is a 6'8" Peter.....who has been screaming wolf for more than 2 years. DD
You clearly didn't see Ralph play before he was injured. During his first three seasons, he beats Yao in damn near every statistical category. Points, rebounds (better offensive rebounder, as well), assists, steals, blocks, had fewer fouls per game. The only area Yao is clearly better at is his rediculously good FT% and fewer turnovers during those first three seasons. Now, I love Yao and it drives me crazy that he keeps having to miss games because of injury, but while Sampson only had 3 healthy seasons, during those seasons he was a better player. Oh, and he had far better handles and was a better passer, IMO. Now I have to listen to Dr of Dunk rant about Ralph thinking he was a point!
Great post. This really sums it up for me. Realistically, I would love for him to come back and understand the role the team needs from him and become that player. Hell, even if he only has 75% of the athleticism he had in 07-08 he could still be a huge positive for this team. The problem is that a guy in his 13th year is going to have a really tough time "getting it" if he has not by now so I think the only realistic option is for him to be moved. Like you, however, I would love to see the guy come back and make me eat my words.
Thank you ! Sometimes you post in frustration, hopefully this explains my position a little better. DD
I have said this for many years, yet nobody understood or believed! Now I see a glimmer as others arrive at the same conclusion! Yao Ming is not an american athlete but a chinese one, one with a different mind set and levels of respect for others. Inorder for Yao to become a dominent leader of the Rockets, the word must come from Les, Morey and Coach 'A' & Tracy McGrady that they demand (need) him to take on that Role. Yao will respond as he will believe it is his duty to fulfill the requests of his employer. That's just the way it has to be, Yao's nature and upbringing will prevent him from assuming this role without direction . It can't just get back to him, like hearsay, it must be demanded of him
