Nice article by Tracy McGrady talking about Yao Ming. If only they stayed healthy http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17421964/yao-ming-impact-reaches-far-nba-court When I got traded to the Houston Rockets in 2004 I really didn't know Yao Ming. He'd been in the league a few years, we'd both been to the All-Star Game and we played against each other a few times, but I had never talked to him. I didn't think he could speak any English and I was worried about that. I thought: "How is this going to work?" I had just won the last two scoring titles with the Orlando Magic, but I was so excited to be playing with a great big man that I knew I was going to have to work with him and feed him the ball. But to do that, we needed communication. How would I talk to him on the court? Would I have to look over at an interpreter on the bench every time we needed to say something to each other? I was thinking maybe we'd have earpieces or something. When I finally met him, I realized two things: he does speak English and not only does he speak it, he has an amazing sense of humor. I loved seeing his personality come out more and more over the years as he got more comfortable in Houston. That's how I really learned what an amazing person he is. He will sometimes just pretend he doesn't speak English -- he does that even to this day! I remember when he came to my wedding reception in 2006. My family and friends were so excited and they all wanted to take pictures and get autographs, and he pretended he couldn't understand them. I just had to sit back and laugh. ...
Ugh, man. Gut shot. I do look at the Yao and Tracy era fondly. It was so promising, yet so disappointing and frustrating. Still, I'm glad we had them for when we did.
I am glad that Yao Ming calls T-Mac his friend, as well. T-Mac is a great ambassador for the Rockets and I hope he continues being affiliated with the franchise.
FIFY Its on me doe.... That Toronto game doe... Ima have back surgery without telling the team doe....
It makes me sad and angry that those Yao/Tmac years were wasted either due to injury or getting outplayed in the first round. So much potential unrealized.
One of the reasons why NBA players or athletes cannot stay healthy in general is because of sneakers. The evolution of the shoe/sneaker turning into a high raised platform taking away natural balance and putting strain on the knees, joints, and back in general is a disaster consequence. Think about it.
He claimed he wish he never left the Raptors... And why? He could have done some great things with his cousin Vince before looking for money elsewhere. I don't knock him on that. Vince Carter in his prime was something special.
Much lower to the ground and probably better natural balance feel. Modern athletes grew up wearing 'platform' like footwear where they are dependent upon big heel cushioning which is completely anti-balance and the heel is not meant to absorb impact in that manner all the time. The heel is mainly balance. Take of your shoes and go out to a well groomed field (synthetic or otherwise) and make quick movements or cuts and try jumping...
I remember the .gifs back then. Trying to find TMac Lakers #1 .gif. Tracy was not only rooting for the Lakers while the Rockets were still in playoff contention but touted them as the favorites to win it all... That is a pure kick to the balls. I know he was injured but still. Can somebody find that funny photoshop .gif of McGrady smiling while wearing that big ass Lakers Number One glove?
