How to convince a Yao-only-fan to be a Rockets fan?

I really don't get the impression that dragon167 was trying to ruffle anyone's feathers or stir up any trouble at all by starting this thread. All he's asking for are some legitimate reasons he can internalize to increase his love for the Rockets as a team, and not just Yao.

Obviously, the number one way to be a Rockets fan is to be from Houston, but my guess is that you're from China, so that's somewhat out of the question. Non-Houstonian Rockets fans that have been around prior to Yao's coming primarily were drawn to the team by Hakeem Olajuwon, or if you go back a few more years, even Moses Malone and Elvin Hayes. It's easy to stick with one particular team once you get attached because personel doesn't change rapidly, and there are always familiar faces year in and year out.

One of the big reasons to like the Rockets, other than the fact that they are Yao's team, is the fact that, with the exception of the last few seasons, they are a team who has somewhat of a winning tradition. The championships of '94 and '95 aside, this team has been to the Finals in '86 and '81, and doesn't often miss the playoffs.

Also, whether you agree with his particular moral principles or not, the owner of the team, Les Alexander, is well known to make decisions based on moral correctness. As a result, the team is run with a certain level of respect given to both the fans and the players. Houston has developed a reputation for taking care of it's players, for better of for worse, (often players have received contracts exceeding their value) although it has yet to be seen whether this will continue during the Van Gundy era.

Another thing to consider is that longevity <i>does</i>matter to fans. There's something to be said for a fan who can remember when Rick Barry used to suit up. It's also part of the magic of developing a deep love for your team to continue to support it through the difficult years. No one can dominate forever in sports. Look at the two greatest basketball teams in the history of the NBA - the Celtics and the Lakers. The Lakers are on top right now, but when the Rockets were winning their championships, they were barely in the playoffs, and their key players were Vlade Divac and a young Nick Van Exel. The Celtics, who have won 16 championships, haven't been truly competitive since Larry Bird hung up his sneakers.

If you can weather times like these in the development of the Rockets, then you will be able to fully appreciate what it means to be a Rockets fan, and it won't bother you at all when Yao can't do it anymore.