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Look for Houston, Denver to reach playoffs--(article)

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Gatorfan76, Mar 7, 2004.

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  1. Gatorfan76

    Gatorfan76 Member

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    http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/sports/8128061.htm

    Plus , look what the writer says about Yao at the the bottom of the article....


    MAN TO MAN

    Everybody's a star in the NBA. Or so it seems. Paul Pierce, Allen Iverson, Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter -- take your pick. True, all those players are good. Call them stars if you want.

    But there are only four elite players in the NBA, only four superstars: Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. That foursome is in a league by itself. The question is who is the next player likely to join that group? Which player out there has the ability to be so good that his mere presence guarantees championship contention year in and year out.

    The answer: Houston's Yao Ming.

    Yao has the potential to revolutionize the game. He is the most skilled player of his size to ever play the game. He has the ability to become a dominant low-post presence, yet at the same time possess a deadly outside shooting touch.

    At 7-foot-5, he is a basketball anomaly. Who knows? Down the line he could rank among the league leaders in 3-point field goal percentage and free-throw shooting percentage. Unheard of for a center.

    His passing? He's already pretty good and will continue to get better the more double-teams he sees. And he'll see them all the time. The elite players always do
     
    #1 Gatorfan76, Mar 7, 2004
  2. DnD

    DnD Member

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    If Yao continues improving as he has so far, I say it's at most 3 yrs before he's in that elite group. Good article.
     
    #2 DnD, Mar 7, 2004
  3. spacepimp

    spacepimp Member

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    I agree with this article, I like francis, but he is not the type of player that can lead you to the elite, he could put up big numbers but what you get is 40 - 45 wins a year unless every position has a good solid player. Yao is not ready yet, but next year you will see him put up numbers like 23ppg 11rpg, you will also see francis numbers go up, because when yao starts dominating every game , and all the focus is on Yao there will be no way to stop francis on the out side. The thing the rockets will need is a Tall Sf who can hit the outside shot and give you some minutes at the 4 (robert horry,tim thomas,vlad radmonivic,) that will slow down the quick pf just a little.
     
    #3 spacepimp, Mar 7, 2004
  4. Agent86

    Agent86 Member

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    I dont agree with putting Kobe in that list but thats just me.
     
    #4 Agent86, Mar 7, 2004
  5. DaDakota

    DaDakota Balance wins
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    McGrady?

    Iverson?

    DD
     
    #5 DaDakota, Mar 7, 2004
  6. RocketFan85

    RocketFan85 Member

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    I don't think Yao is 2 or 3 years away from being in that group. I think Yao is going to cpntinue playing like his has been latey. Then play great in the playoffs and will dominate next year. Next season I think Yao will be up for MVP.
     
    #6 RocketFan85, Mar 7, 2004
  7. madmonkey37

    madmonkey37 Member

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    Too bad denver is in a freefall right now, losing 7 of their last 8. Looks like portland or utah wont be taking our spot in the playoffs.
     
    #7 madmonkey37, Mar 7, 2004
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