Yao has nothing in common with any of the rookies, he is far beyond any of them at this stage in his career. Yao has spent more time playing in a professional league than most veterans have on a court. Yao has a very good chance on makeing it on the All-Star team in his first year, he is leading the league in fg percent, and he is one of the best team players that I've seen in a long time. The last time you could say anything close to a paticular player would be Tim Ducan, and everyone knows how he turned out.
A trivia question I'm too lazy to find the answer: How many players in NBA history made the All-Star team in his rookie season?
A trivia question I'm too lazy to find the answer: How many players in NBA history made the All-Star team in their rookie seasons?
LOL, you've been bashing on Yao from day one, and I've been wondering where you were the past few days. You can say that Gooden is, statistically, having a better season than Yao. But if you line up a panel of 100 coaches/players, and ask'em to vote on (strictly) who's having a better season... well, it wouldn't even be close.
Ummmm ...hate to tell you this, but Yao and Duncan were not matched up with each other in that game. Yao was matched up with Robinson and Willis and only matched up with Duncan on a handful of possessions due to switch offs. Personally, I agree with a previous poster that said in 2 years, perhaps Yao might be better than Duncan. Not right now though. Give Duncan some respect.
Desert Scar "Honestly Yoa is probably the best pick since Tim Duncan" Are you basing this on how good he is now, or how good he will grow to be? If you mean when he hits his prime, I agree with you. If you're talking about right now, would you honestly take Yao over Dirk, VC, Pierce, Franchise, Brand, or The Matrix? Dirk is an MVP candidate and, as a 7-footer, has more skills than even Yao. Vince and Pierce are unquestioned superstars; probably #3 & 4 at SG behind Kobe and Tmac. Brand is the best offensive rebounder in the league and as consistent as anyone. Marion is an athletic freak and one of the top SF's in the league. As for Steve, well, no elaboration needed. I'm not doubting that what he has shown so far is real, or that he has the desire and work ethic to continue improving. But let's wait at least a little while before we start anointing him the second-coming of Shaq, or even Duncan. Shaq has 3 rings and went to the Finals in his 2nd or 3rd year. Tim won a title in his 2nd year. Both are MVPs and 1st-team All NBA regulars. Yao has never experienced anything close to the intensity and physical style of D he will see in the playoffs. He isn't even getting consistent double teams yet. The league WILL figure him out, and no one knows yet how well he can adjust when a defense keys on stopping him. Hell, he hasn't even played Shaq yet, and the Big Fella's pissed off right now. I bet Shaq drops 40+ on The Dynasty just to show he has complete ownership of whomever he chooses.
My ass is waiting for you to kiss if no 40+ points from Shaq on Yao. With the list of players you suggested, Dirk is the only one I would give any thoughts at all. As far as the rest of them, not even close.
