but I think part of why Rudy isn't playing Yao as much as we would like, is to give Ming a rest, of sorts. When was the last lengthy break that Yao has had from basketball? I get the feeling that Rudy wants to bring Yao really slowly, so that he can adjust to living in his new country. Maybe, once Yao is finally settled, will the Rockets give Yao a crash-course test? Or maybe Rudy realizes that if we are to do anything in the playoffs, we'd need a 100% Yao? Rather than a fatigued one... If we played Yao 25-30 mins per game over 82 games, he would probably be fried, by February, considering how much he's had to go through/play in the last year.
That's definately the reason they're not playing him much. This is his 3rd year playing basketball without a break. Forget the playoffs, because if you're counting on a rookie to help in the playoffs, then you're going to get swept. But this is so that all the pressure doesn't get to him and so that he doesn't have an unfortunate injury due to all the playing. I've suggested before that we put him on the Injured List for a 5-game period so that he could ONLY rest, to recharge and come back. But that's 15-20 games into the season. Then he comes back for another 20 games, and then gets to rest during the All Star break again. I'm very confident that this would help him come on STRONG in the second half of the season. I'm just glad we have Cato right now. Imagine the criticism if we had traded Cato and Ming was not ready (like right now)? We'd easily be out fo the running for a playoff spot.
Rest should not be underestimated. I know people have been reading this thread and goin' "yeah, yeah, yeah...." I've had some of my worst performances after physical activity every day...a day of rest does wonders... Case in point: Yao had a good practice Monday after a day of rest and barely playing on Saturday...
Like I just said in another thread. Yao's skills and size are obvious. he will eventually hold position in the post and will be almost unmovable. His turnaround jumpshot and improving hookshot will be unblockable. Other than that, his passing will improve our team, and his shotblocking (although it won't be as good as we expected) will provide interior defense alongside Griffin. So, the way I see it, once our trainers are through with him (next preseason), and he's comfortable with the players AND the plays, he will be incredible. It's just a matter of getting in shape and making up for lost time.
Doc brought up that possibility to and I agree with you guys. I just might be a case of Rudy giving Ming a crash course in the NBA while at the same time resting him. The coming offseason won't be as bad because to my knowledge the only tournament he will compete in is the Olympic qualifying tournament, the same one the USA has to compete in.
I mentioned the possibility of Yao Ming being tired in another thread and it went by totally unnoticed. There is little to no difference in shooting a free throw in the NBA, FIBA, or ChBA. How does Yao Ming go from an exceptional FT shooter to a % that would embarrass Shaq - 25%? I maintain that Yao is physically (and mentally) tired. (FT shooting is legs). Unless we hear from a reliable source that Yao is really hitting the weights hard, I do not belive that this is impacting him. At this point, I agree with those that think 25 mpg is way too much PT unless it's against players like McCoy and N'Diaye and not Dampier and Foyle.
The team's had a pretty light schedule the last week and Yao was his most aggressive in last night's game. Maybe the fatigue has made him a little timid.
