Alot of the media initially said there would be a language problem. Then Jeff hears him speak English well and comments on it. Big deal. Some people here just blows things out of proportion and are too sensitive.
I'm with crash and thx1138 on kayman's comments. Too much coffee and too much drizzle, apparently, if Seattle is still home. As for Yao's spoken English, here's another example of some sound files. Enjoy!
Actually, Jeff can say whatever he wants to say. Why does he have to be politcally correct? That's not what this web site is about. That's boring and in no way true to who we are as a bbs. He can say what he feels. That's what I want to hear. That's what I want to listen to. If I hate him for it then good. I reacted to it and that's why I listen to what he as to say.
I appreciate the defense guys, but it is not necessary. Kayman has some sort of issue with me and that's fine. I never claimed to be a genius or anything else. I express my opinion as everyone else does and I realize that the fact that I help out Clutch and participated in the arena campaign can make me a target to some who don't care for me. That's fine. No harm done. Just as a simple response to Kayman's concerns... The time zone thing was just me being bad at math. If you care to actually read my response, I called myself an "idiot" and tried to make a joke out of it. That's why I ASKED about the time zone thing rather than claiming I knew anything. Posting another thread on the lineup/rotation isn't really up to you, now is it? Last time I checked, we can all post when we like and how we like within reason. Since you aren't an Administrator, I'll just keep on keepin' on. As for the comparison to Dream, he actually speaks six languages and has since college. I actually spoke to him when he was in college and I was barely a teenager. What I was pointing out was that Yao's accent was really not much worse than Akeem's was when he first came into the league. Neither fully understood or understand all of the regional and colloquial English terms despite their relative command of the language. As for my interview, I guess since you weren't the one getting the call to get interviewed, they prefer my drivel to yours. Go figure.
I agree. A cheap shot at Jeff. BTW watching that clip, can anyone tell us if the translator's Chinese (Mandarin, or whatever dialect) is good? Or is he struggling, too.
Jeff, I wish I could conduct myself with as much restraint and tact as you just did when someone takes such a blatant cheap shot at me. You have my respect.
i understand that you want to bash the experts who thought that language would be a huge problem, but in their defense, Yao knew very little English a year ago and even at the draft. Just go back a listen to a few clips back then. Kenny and Charles were right to worry. I just don't think they expected him to pick up the language so quickly. He clearly has been working hard on his English since he found out he was coming to the nba and should be commended for it.
Totally untrue. You're giving Yao way too much credit (or is it too little?) if you think he's been able to improve his English THAT substantially over the past few months. Yao Ming has always been known throughout the Chinese media as being one of the most fluent English-speaker in the CBA. There was a story circulating that he often translated for American teammates on the Sharks. We can debate all day how much English he really knew in June, but I assure you it was pretty close to the current level (although he must've been cramming all summer)... and far above what Kenny Smith et. al. gave him credit for.
I don't really think that is the case. From what I heard, Yao knew a pretty good deal of English before the draft. In fact, many were somewhat expecting some English from him. However, since he is more comfortable with his native language, they let him use that. I'm sure he's learned a lot in the year's time and the draft, but I think he's known some good English before hand. But this is all speculation on my part.
So you r predicting we'll be in game 7 of the Western Conference. How bold! Even if we lose, it still worths all the efforts to get Yao over here. Dont worry, by then if Yao still call it pick and pop, I am sure the rest of the team will say the same way.
I think we should respect Kayman's opinion, but on the same token why is he grading someone's post? Anyway, I enjoy reading Jeff's posts, they're usually fair and have a lot of substance.
Hell I remember when Ewing Came ino the league *groan* I don't know what language he was speaking Rocket River
It never ceases to amaze how increasigly hostile this board has become over the past few years. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with frustration over not making the playoffs these past few years, lots os newbies, or god knows what, but the board certainly isn't the same polite place it was when i started lurking, and later, posting some three or four years ago. The hostility seems aimed not only at newbies who get flamed like hell for seemingly no reason, to criticism to a guy, who (as it was pointed out) surely gave his all to keep the team in town, certainly more than anyone on this board ever did for the rockets. Rest assured that there are indeed people who appreciate the work you put into the site, Jeff and clutch too, obviously. I sure miss the old days when Mango used to keep things in order without ever having to really disrespect anyone. No wonder i chose to lurk around instead of post as often as I once did. * sigh *
Kayman, we're all excited... so just back off. Every now and then, in the moment of realizing how cool it really is that we have YAO MING OH MY GOD we'll end up posting stuff that's not up to your standards of excellence. But pity us, pass by us.. etc. But don't mock us... mock TheCat, now he posts some drivel. pity my 'just kidding' disclaimer doesn't soften the barb w/ TheCat... but TC, I love you you annoying schmuck, you!
Why? If somebody thinks he's wrong, why should they respect it? Everyone has a right to their opionion, but that doesn't make them immune from criticism.
All is not so bad, Thanos, hang in there and keep contributing. I'm actually pretty impressed by the other posters' defense of Jeff and his classy reaction to Kayman's post. Kayman definitely picked the wrong person to flame. Someone who's been hanging around the bbs as long as he has should have known better.
Where did Kayman go? BTW, good job Yao...keep up the work on adapting to the informal usages of our language.
Thanos, Nao me lembra agora mas acho que voce mora naquele pais "por baixo"? 'Ce tem razao, meu filho. Tem gente ca que se acham (como dizem os franceses) "mais alto do que um peido." Hopefully I didn't butcher that too much.
