Is facing Shaq Yao's final test of NBA initiation?

thats a good question but i dont think that he needs to prove anymore that he can play. he has already shown that hes a great player and that there is nothing else to prove. he has achieved alot and im sure that everyone know that. also if he did score 20 points against shaq then it would definitly be all over the world but yao has already hes a good player

 

Hi MiniMing, you may have a typo in your signature.
you may change to "Houston, I'm coMING"

 

dude, yo' freaking hilarious.

 

After labeling him a bust after two games I will eat crow and say he has nothing further to prove to me that he can play.

 

No, his final test will be to see if he can keep pace through an entire 82 game season. He's played practically non stop for a solid year now...

 

No! A good test would be if Yao can help bring this team a championship with the next two years.

 

I have to agree. I think the real TEST is not what he can do against Shaq but if he can be CONSISTANT over the season.

It seems that Yao's BIGGEST games come when he is motivated the most. Notice his biggest games were: IN LA against the Lakers (Even though Shaq was not playing, here was THERE watching); in Dallas against the best team in the league and against the guy most people compated him to, Shawn Bradley; and against the Spurs Tim Duncan and David Robinson. It seem Yao is "rising to the challenge" and that is GREAT to see. True superstars do this! I just hope he can CONTINUE to put up decent numbers EVERY night. They don't have to be 27 and 18 but double-double numbers each night would be nice!

Chris

 

Yao's big games were designed by COACH, not by himself.

 

Agreed. I think the "rookie wall" thing may hit Yao VERY hard. I just pray he doesn't get hurt.

 

Yao does not have anything to prove when he goes up against Shaq as an individual. However, as a team, the Rockets can prove themselves as a title contender in years to come if Yao succeeds individually against Shaq.

 

To certain degree "yes" and to certain degree "no".
"Yes", because Shaq is the man in the league right now, and you must find a way to handle him to have any chance winning the ring. If Yao can hang with the best then he is certainly up there with the best.

"No". because Ming is 23 and Shaq is starting to reach wrong end of career. Furthermore, I think current injury is not just one off unfortunate incident. After all, Shaq plays tough, and it is arguable whether even his unbelievable physique can hold up. We are unlikely to win the championship this year, so it is not vital for Yao to face up against Shaq and be on the same level. Just being there with Shaq could help his game to develop.

 

As alluded to, I think the real thing is two tests: The big one and the long one...

 

Ming VS Shaq

just grabbed from spurs' board

 

that's a bit exaggerating.
Yao is taller than shaq. but not by that much.

 

I think this is true.

Ming is taught different lesson in every game. Some games are the offensive session. Some are denfesive. when shaq is coming, the lesson could be injury avoiding or flopping

 

I am one of the biggest supporter of Ming on this board. But I think Shaq is just too much for Ming to handle right now. Shaq shouldnt be actually allowed to play NBA, there gotta be a weight limit rule in NBA.

 

hey well that picture is a cartoon so it doesnt matter how much taller yao is

 

Shaq is important. Not only is he a measuring stick for Yao, but he's going to teach Yao a thing or two. So it's a great learning opportunity for Ming.

I think he can get 20 on Shaq because he's got a great shot from anywhere. It won't matter how far out he gets pushed. What is more interesting to me is how Yao is going to try and stop him. That's where he could get dominated.

 

I think Yao will do very well against shaq. As Duece said, He does step up to the challenge when presented with one. He'll be really pumped for shaq.