Now the Olympics is over, when can Yao report to Rockets?

Well training camp starts in about a month. This will be the first time that Yao will be with the team for the whole training camp so that will be nice. And I'm pretty sure that Falsone and JVG have impressed on Yao how important it is to get into camp in shape so I don't expect him to let himself go like earlier in the offseason.

 

According to Anthony Falsone, the Rockets Strength Coach, Yao will be back in Houston in late September.

 

for those who can't be bothered clicking the falsone link

ROCKETS.COM: Now that you are back in the states, are you concerned at all with what type of shape Yao will show in at training camp?

FALSONE: The time period between the Olympics and training camp always concerns me. A month is a long time. He’s told us he’ll be here in late September and the Olympics are over at the end of August, so any time any player – not just Yao – has that kind of time off it concerns you because you never know how mentally fatigued they are. You’re not sure how much a guy might have been pushed to the edge and how much time a guy might need away from the game mentally. That’s where I really come in as a great tool for us, because I understand that. If we have to go see him and check up with him, I understand where he’s been, what he’s done and what they’ve asked of him. I understand where he is mentally and know where he needs to be. That’s kind of my job as well – to read players and try to get something out of them. I don’t think we have to worry with Yao though, because he is such a professional, but a month is a long time. The main thing is for him to stay as healthy as he can during the Olympics, and if he can maintain his health and get out of there with no injuries, he’ll be fine.

 

What I want to know is, does he have any commitments to the NT during that month?

It would be great if he didn't. That would mean he had a month off after last season and a month off before the season. Lots of NBA players don't rest for 2 months in the offseason.

Hopefuly, all he'll do in that 2 months is coninue keeping in shape, and resting the rest of the time.

 

It is great that Yao will finally get some rest before the season, and that he will be able to report on time.

Look for a monster year from him.

22ppg and 12rpg

DD

 

Shaq is ready!

 

Ready for what? MTV video music award? He want to be a rap star?

I know, he loses some weight, but he is still 32years and getting older. Take it easy.

 

Falsone needs to stay with him until he comes to the States IMO.
Yao needs rest but he also needs to be in excellent shape.
I'm looking forward to seeing him in training camp.

 

Kinda around the same age Hakeem was in his prime...

Great players are all born great... its the LEGENDS who are able to re-invent themselves later on in their career.

Wilt did it... Jordan did it... Hakeem did it.

If Shaq is truly focused like he seems he is, there's no doubt that he could have an all-time great year this season. Many people forget that he possesed more than just power when he first came into the league... if he can regain some quickness and work on his stamina... I would be very scared.

 

No, Yao needs some time off from basketball altogether (mentally), and having Falsone around wouldn't help him out.

I'm sure Falsone has told him what to work on and Yao will probably follow it perfectly.

 

Maybe not. The CNT is only no. 8 in the Olympic.

I'm sure he will use the month to make some money. Kids to feed! Well, in the future. He should have a lot of commercial business to deal with during the off season. He's not gonna get enough rest.

 

As long as there's no strenuous physical activity, and he doesn't have to think about basketball, it's fine.

I doubt Yao plays a major role in his commercial businesses, doesn't team Yao (Erick Zhang??) take care of that stuff?

 

Curious: What does YAO's summer look like next year? Will he FINALLY get a break?

Rocket Rive

 

There will be a 10th Chinese National Olympics(Shi2-Yun4-Hui4) in October next year, it's the biggest thing outside Olympics for all local governments. I don't think Yao will play for Shanghai though.

Anyone know this for sure?

 

I'm 995 sure he won't. He's under contract with the Rockets, why would he play for another club? Why would the other teams even allow it? Why would he play in a tournament which is relatively unimportant?

 

Ditto. I think Yao has China-related obligations only to the national team.

 

I was under the impression that Yao was only required to play in FIBA sanctioned events which do not include local tournys.

 

smart yao come in late september and then two weeks later fly back to china for 2 pre-season games against the kings.

 

Also,

China does not have to qualify for the Bejing Olympics, so Yao can skip a few of those minor Asian tournaments.

DD