Funny how when anyone criticises Ming, there will immediately be five or six points making excuses for him. No one else is given that type of treatment here. Not Steve, Cuttino - definately not Mo T or Rice. If someone metions that Ming didn't dominate in the olympics, the first reply will be "he's ony twenty. He'll mature and redefine the position." If someone mentions that Ming had some rough spots during his exhibition, "jetlag". If someone mentions that Ming is too thin, "Ming's a gym rat. He will bulk up and dominate." Please, let's leave all of the hoping and emotion out and have a rational discussion about this important pick for our favorite team. I'm on the fence right now. I think Ming is a very risky pick, but I'm not sure what else is there in the draft that can make an immediate impact. I would definately see what I could get for the pick. So much of the NBA game, especially offensively is about mental toughness and being aggressive. Passive players seem to be dominated by the more aggressive ones. Most of the articles I've read by people that have seen Ming seem to question his toughness. I wish I could see some of his games. I know he hit all of his shots in one great performance, but I'd be interested to see how often he gets to the line. Free throw attempts can be a good barometer of a player's offensive aggressiveness. What do you guys think?
Umm...I think Griffin gets the same excuses around here but it doesn't come up as often. Both these guys are young and have huge upsides. Let there play speak for themselves.
You gotta be kidding me! If you don't cut some slack to a rookie, who you gonna cut it to? How can we compare him to Mo T, who's got us for 52mil, is soft like the boobs of a 90 year old woman, and seems to have swallowed a rhinosorus. Or, plus he stupid enough to get caught with pot and to tear his Achiles at a pickup game... Give the kid a chance, MoT had his.
The main reasons I feel ok about the Rockets taking him are: 1. Who else out there honestly has the potential that Ming does on all angles? There are some very talented guys in the draft but is there one other guy other than Jayson Williams (who isn't coming here) that is just knock down, drag out worth the #1 pick? I've looked a lot and it just doesn't seem that there are. 2. Will we really get value in return for #1 if we trade it? There is so much more to the #1 than just the player - the prestige, the press, etc. If we sent the pick somewhere, how could we measure the value we get in return. It seems to me that, unless we get a superstar in return or multiple future picks, it will be hard to match the all-out value of picking first. I'm not completely sold on Ming as a superstar player but I do think he will be a good center. Is that worthy of #1? I'm not sure but a good center is probably enough in a league full of mostly bad centers.
Great post, Jeff. I was originally against taking Ming, but if he can at least sure up the interior defense a bit and grab a few boards, then it may be worth it. I think the key is to keep the expectations from going overboard so that everyone doesn't turn on the guy if he isn't the next Wilt.
Hey Jeff, <b>WHAT's UP</b>!!!! Here's why I feel OK with the Rockets taking him (quote is from ESPN's draft site): <b> </b> If we can get 50% of that out of him in his first year in the NBA, he will be worth the pick. <b>'NUFF SAID.</b>
