Having Being fortunate enough to have watched the last few games Yao's played for China and closely following Yao's career, I can't possibly tell you how excited I am and how much I am looking forward to the new season. I am perfectly aware of Yao's weaknesses, like the lack of stamina, aggressiveness, foul trouble etc. But from what I have seen, I tell you he's really worked hard on those problems and improved alot. I was watching Rocket's video clips from Yao's first couple of years in the NBA and compared him then and now, damn, he's much bigger and stronger. Really bulked up since last year with the help of his personal trainer. I was worried that he'd get slower cos of it but so far Yao's proved me wrong. Additionally, I feel that Yao's finally become more aggressive as required by the NBA. I could sense the change of attitude and mentality. He's no longer the gentle giant as often described by the media. I see Yao starts to talk to the ref and teammates more, and much less hesitated to confront whoever's in front of him and show his opponents who's the boss. In a number of interviews, he's mentioned that he'd be more aggressive and dominating in the coming season. Of course, basketball is not an one-man sport. I am also a huge fan of Tmac and Motombo. I think that Yao's learned a great deal from those two fantastic players during the last season and will continue to benifit from their partnerships. With the addition of Swift, I also see a change of strategy by Van Gandy. Yao hopefully will no longer be asked to do the dirty work of a power forward and will just sit his big frame in the paint to grab few more rebounds, blocks and dunks instead of chasing small guards around the court. It is often argued that a centre generally matures after 5 years. I pretty much agree with it. Yao said recently that he's confident that Rockets would win the championship within 5 years and I hope that it comes early than that. Damn, I can't wait.
Nice post tdle6671. Good to hear anything positive about Yao's growth as a player. I can't wait for the season to start myself. I think this is the year he silences the few remaining doubters.
I check my mail box everyday hoping my season tickets will be there even though I know they won't be coming out for weeks. Oh well, I guess I'll just watch the "Clutch City 3" video again...
In the immortal words of George Costanza.... "I think I felt movement..." Ok now I am really pumped. Man if Yao can be even just a little more aggressive on the court the league is in trouble. I have heard a number of interviews with NBA players who say that Yao is the hardest guy to guard in the league. And if he only knew how dominant he could be nobody could stop him. He can be as gentile as he wants to be off the court but once walks onto that floor that all should change. I think T-Mac can help Yao accomplish this as he is the same way; gentle off the court and a beast on it....LOL Oh dang.......bring on the season already!!!
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I think I read this post last offseason. And Yao still didn't show many signs of aggressive play. Not to be a nay-sayer, but I just think for whatever reason (lesser competition?) he plays with much more authority for his Chinese National Team than he does for the Houston Rockets. Hopefully that'll change this season, but I'm not gonna set my expectations too high.
Completely agree with Toast on this one....I can't wait for the day that Yao finally takes charge of the Rockets (alongside T-Mac of course).
I believe Yao will mature two fold this season. First reason is because he has worked on his weaknesses this offseason, which of course should improve his game. Second and just as important is that he now has a legit defensive power forward with him, being Swift. Juwan is good, but before Yao had to be the defensive force on the team, but trying to block all the shots pick up offensive and defensive rebounds. With Swift, Yao won't have to worry about the weak side as much. He won't have to go for every block shot. I think Yao covering half the floor and Swift covering the other half will benefit both players. Each player will expend less energy and each player will be in position to back each up if their player or a player gets past them. This supports my second point, in that Yao will now expend less enegry no the court. Making him much more useful to the team in the 4th quater. My two cents.
