Yao Ming's presence is going to make a huge difference on this team, and I believe that will be all the more obvious because of his late arrival. We have seen the Rockets play three (almost) games and they look good. With Ming, I predict you will immediately see a significant difference. He may not play much, but when he does, the Rockets will be a much more impressive. Bottomline: I predict that Ming will dominate early and only get better. You'll see. We are on the verge of something special.
I just hope that too much is not placed on his shoulders too early. He is a special talent, but also needs time to learn the NBA game.
im really happy that he will be able to play some preseason games. at first they said he wouold miss preseaqson all together.
With the way EG, KT, TMo, MT, Rice, and even Cato are playing the pressure for Yao Ming to post big numbers right away will be far less. I think he will press at first and probably look bad. But coaching and guys like Rice will get him settled in and I think after 5-8 games he'll suddenly explode and get in a groove with the team and start to dominate like all great players do, i.e. in the ways that compliment the team. One night blocks and rebounds, another night passing and 10-15 footers. Another night offensive rebounds and put backs. I think he is that type player - a great one, smart and able to adapt to the flow of the game and his team mates. The cool thing is he also appears to be able to be that aggressive, "go to" guy if necessary. It is amazing - Steve, Cat, MT, YM, Rice - all go to guys too! What an offensive powerhouse. That ability to make the other team guard you and try to keep up/outscore you is better defense in of itself. The fact they are trying to play better team defense is a big plus too. Toss in KT, EG, Cato, TMo, Mooch, and Torres and we have something special... This team is going to surprise a lot of people...
I must aggree rice rocket. We have a much better team going into this season than last year. Our preseason has been good. RT is working on getting this team to defend. We are 3 and 0 with out our ming dynasty. Our emotion offence will cause the west to bow there heads.
