first half of season: 6pts 4 rebs 1blks second half of season 12pts 6 rebs 2-3 blks the following explains the first half: 1) hit the rookie wall early due to year round player combined with rigors of NBA schedule (all new to him) 2) foul trouble. he will want to exceed expectations and will try too hard...this leads to fouls for a big man. teams will also challenge him a lot which leads to foul trouble 3) will play off the bench in limited minutes (10-15) until Rudy is satisfied with his chemistry and flow with the team. also, Cato will be playing well enough to keep the pressure off the play him. in the second half: 1) Rudy will feel more comfortable 2) Ming will feel more comfortable 3) Francis will look for Ming more and learn to use his height 4) Pressure will be off him
I dont necessarily mind the comparison to Smits. Smits had some good years and helped his teams be competitive year in and year out. God help us all if in the end, Yao is compared to Bol. We want a player, not a novelty act. Although his win over Refrigerator Perry might count for something. lol
I am surprised that several of our posters have such LOW expectations from Yao Ming. Of course , I expect them to be the ones wanting Francis to average 30pts a game. If Yao Ming averages below 10 points a game in season one, then we will have made a great mistake and should have swapped for Lamar Odom!!! What do you think of that Montgo!!
