The same people who are claiming Ming will "peak" at 18 11 are the same ones in the media that claimed he wouldn't be much. He isn't as aggressive as they want, well he's only half way through his rookie year, and he's getting double and triple teamed! He's dropping 18-11 like it's nothing now, but that is where he'll peak? Yeah right. Go away media!
A "little more selfish" for 2 extra points and 1 less board? Not sure that that's worth it. Was Anthony talking about his career average or prime time? For his career, that might be about right, maybe even a little generous unless Yao picks it up fast these next couple years.
What's happening with the Malone offer to coach Yao? Really looking forward to that happening (if it does)!
Mo wants to. Walton wants to. Hakeem, too? It seems everyone wants a piece of Yao. Where's Kareem? Personally I wish (won't happen, but I wish) Sabonis would sign for the MCE here next year and help Yao become best possible.
Sabonis can barely keep up with his own wife. He'll have no time to teach Yao anything - other than don't ever get married.
Dude, you sure can talk some trash... Although, I doubt you have ANY concept of how difficult or easy it is to play post up basketball against a 7'6" defender. But, then again, there is probably a .0001% chance that you have ever had that experience. Usually people who talk trash like you do cannot even begin to back it up. I'd suggest you tone it down a little, brother.
I agree. Let's all remember that he never played college ball over here, and considering that he is just over halfway thru his first NBA season, he's doing WAY MORE than anyone expected him to. He's absorbing things like a sponge and it's coming together for him quickly. We have nothing to worry about with Yao.
If the world survives and gets through this unstable stage of the evolutionary process, I believe Yao Ming will be one of the greatest players to ever play the game. If he stays healthy, at his peak, I can see him as a 34pt 16 reb guy.
Yao is too much of a team player and great passer to ever score that many points. Kobe is leading the league in scoring with a shoot first mentality. Yao will become a great player but more than what his statistics will suggest. Also, if he ever becomes a scoring machine, teams will send 3 people on him or play zone every game. Theyre already doing some of that. Pull up the first Boston game where they designed their entire defense to stopping Yao. IMHO, Yao can become the best passing center of all time before his career is over.
Am I the only person who thinks Yao struggled because he was trying to be TOO aggressive? Instead of using his variety of fakes against Bradley, he just went straight up and tried to dunk over him several times. It's no wonder he got his shot blocked, his moves were entirely predictable. If Yao actually threw in a fake before and got Bradley off his feet, he would have had no problem scoring. There's nothing wrong with shooting a jump hook against Bradley. Bradley's game may suck in many regards but the guy is a genuine shotblocker. Yao may have had a misplaced sense of confidence after delivering a facial to Bradley in their first game. For some reason, Yao hasn't been able to hit a long shot in the last few weeks. If he can get that part of his game going again, defenders will respect him more on the perimeter so he can turn and burn them inside. I don't understand why commentators wax poetic about how awesome it is to have a seven-footer like Sabonis or Nowitski hit a long shot, but freak out when Yao takes a similar shot. Do you think Shaquille O'Neal would be worse if he could add a long jumper to his arsenal? Give me a break.
Hmmm... bold statements from Riet and Texas Stoke. Too much pressure. Why do we just wait and see how he turns out? Enjoy the ride and that's nothing better than see a young guy develops and reach the highest. BTW, we don't need to compare Yao to anyone? After all how can you change the game of basketball if you are the next and next and not being unique? Ouch sorry bold statement from me.
yeah, I didn't think about that. I still think he'll score in the mid 20's during his peak. But your right, with all the double and triple teams he'll see, he'll choose to take advantage of his extraordinary passing skills. so I'll just go with this and say he'll be the most complete center to ever play the game.
Yeah, it's kinda a catch-22 for defenders. Because when they double-team, they (the two men doing the double team) actually are trying to defend TWO skills: Yao's shot and his pass. A lot different than Shaq. And once you double-team Yao, you're really in no position to guard the pass. Heh heh... Pick your poison!
