Why not? If Houston picks-up 15 more wins this year due some some vicious post play by the Merciless, he might stand a chance.
Problem is, at least from what I can see, Yao is on a team with another superstar (well, that is, assuming Yao is a superstar in the making), and he won't be the go-to guy on his team (most likely 3rd at best). With Francis back this upcoming season, any improvement will be attributed to the backcourt. Gasol was the go-to guy last season for the Griz, but had Richard Jefferson or Shane Battier been in Chicago, or Gasol was playing in Sacramento, things might have been different. I think Yao Ming had a better chance at POY in Chicago or Golden State, which is also why I think Jay Williams will win it. Of course, this would be all moot point if Yao comes in and averages 30ppg, 15rpg and just dominates Shaq (crossing fingers), but we'll see.
I'm going to be an optimist and go out on a limb. I think he's going to win it... with one caveat. He's able to get a second wind during the last half of the season. I'm concerned about how much he's going to be worn down by the games he's played before we get him. The lack of time with the team before the start of the season is a concern, but the guy is smart. I'll think he'll pick up the system quickly. Stamina may be his biggest problem. What the hell. Yao wins. Averages 12/10/2.5/3 in 25 minutes.
I also feel Yao probably won't win it either. But I have a question for you long time basketball fans. How much does winning factor into ROY voting. Let's say this happends: Jay Williams: 22ppg 7apg 2spg Yao: 14ppg 9rpg 2bpg Jay's team gets maybe 30 or wins. Yao's team goes to the WCF, where Yao holds Shaq to 20ppg (that's right, holding to 20) while averaging 17ppg 10rpg, and 2.5bpg in the WCF. The Rockets win the series and the championship. (basically, this would be the championship.) So Yao avgs 8 less ppg than Jay, and isn't the team leader, but he and the Rocket's win the championship. He also does well against Shaq. Would he get the nod over Jay? BTW, I don't think any of this will happend, it is just a "what if" question.
Mark my words Mign wont be ROY. The ROY will be DaJuan Wagner ,Caron Butler , Jay Williams orDrew Gooden .
It's always hard to tell at this stage but I do think that he will hit a wall. Considering how much ball he is playing I'd be shocked if he didn't hit a wall. Having said those things there is as good a chance as any that he will be ROY. In the end Butler or Williams are my safe bet, but I am not particularly fond of either one.
