I don't know if this would be possible for Clutch to do, but I think it would be good to put up a record of pro- and anti-Mingers which would be available for the next couple of years. That way all those who keep making wise-ass comments about Ming not being up to NBA competition will not be able to back off what they said earlier and would be forced to eat their words publicly, when Ming starts doing very well. I just cannot understand why people can be so negative about a guy who has long been scouted by experts, including Rockets experts, and has been said to be the best available center in the draft. He even got Rudi more thrilled after Rudi saw his workout with the Chinese national team last week. The anti-Mingers say the guy will be a bust in the NBA simply because he hasn't played consistently against NBA competion, and they believe college players would be better, conveniently forgetting that they too haven't played against NBA competition. They conveniently forget that when future draftees work out for NBA teams, they go against fellow colege players, not against NBA players, simply because everybody knows that they need some experience before getting to the NBA level. When people want to criticise Ming, they always say he would be mangled by Shaq - they compare a would-be rookie who is not yet 22 to a 10-year NBA veteran with several NBA titles. So, if it would be possible, Clutch, let us put the records straight. I would then dare the anti Ming camp - prominently Oski, ElGrandQueso and UTBaller among others, to put down their words for posterity. In a couple of years, they would then be able to see how silly their criticism of Ming was.
"Yao Ming will be average." "Yao Ming will never win a championship." "Yao Ming will never win an MVP award." "Yao Ming will not win the Rookie of the Year award." "Yao Ming will be a BUST." Quote me, I dare ya!
They also forget the fact that Yao has played internationally for many years against quality centers, which can't be said for most other draft hopefuls. The only risk I can see for Yao is his need and commitment to his national team, or else he is almost a no-brainer. -G'day-
Can it work the other way though? If you say Yao will be good and he flops, will I be able to ridicule you for what you've said in this forum? I'd like to see this be fair.
We are Rockets FANS. Not the coach or the staff. If Rockets choose Yao, BE IT! Wether we are pro or anti Yao does not matter. Let Rockets do their job. Let Yao run the course. Just cheer for Rockets. If Yao arrives, cheer for him too. Don't worry. Be happy.
I agree with Sugar Land, especially since we have no real control over this... Pro-Ming Bust or no bust, 4 years is a long road for a guy who has everything to prove to 1 billion people. He will make it.
I was wondering about that. Some of the people who are so anti-Yao that they put up websites saying "Yao Ming Sucks" have pretty much forfeited the right to ever cheer for him if he does become good. I mean how can the anti-Ming crowd truly turn around and cheer for him after some of the things said. Have you no conscience? Have you no shame? I'm not talking about those who have questions about Yao Ming's game, I'm talking about those who flat out say he's going to suck and the Rockets are making a big mistake. Could you actually cheer for him a year down the road and feel good about yourself? If so, I feel sorry for you.
Pro Ming- for 2 reasons (after watching every tape I could find of him): 1. He has the skills- he is a rare talent for his size, can shoot, pass, athletic, can definately play ball. He has the size that along with his skills could set him apart as a one of a kind defensive force in the paint. Already has a variety of offensive moves. 2. We need a future center in the worst way. And the NBA is short on good skilled centers. Ming will be very good unless he fails mentally. I definately see the risk that he might not have the determination and drive to improve himself and compete at the NBA level. But that is true for 98% of players drafted. Yao Ming has the tools, will he stay healthy and work hard? If we knew that we would never blow a draft pick.
rhester, by all accounts, Yao Ming has a terrific work ethic so I don't think determination will be a factor. No need for Clutch to bother with tracking, just put it in your sig. edit: ok Admin...I get the point.
I'm so Pro-Ming... I have a website for him... this website actually counters the Yao Ming Sucks Webstite, mine is the Yao Ming ROCKS website!
Pro Ming Pro Rockets Anti Politics Anti Headaches Pro Winning Anti Losing Pro Playoffs Pro Post Play Anti Isolation offense Pro Passing Anti Dribbling Pro 3 pointers Anti Dunk Pro Finger Roll Anti Black shoes Pro Hustle Anti corn rows Pro Afro
I am PRO-MING.... And that's even if for some weird reason the Rockets don't end up having him. He has the skills to do what it takes to be good in the NBA. DO you know how hard it is to go 21 for 21 in a real game? He did that in their championship game. You might say it's inferior competition but it's still a championship game and their are defenders in his face... OK maybe in his shoulder blade. Anyway, that and 7'5" isn't chump change. And he will be in the All-star game soon. Count on it. Remember, it is voted in by the fans and Ming has a fanbase that I would say is pretty large aready. As someone who once pitched for the Astros once said, "Believe it!" As for him taking some time to adjust to the NBA speed, all rookies do need time. But remember that an accurate jumper from 15ft at his height will be hard to stop. So what his first year is not aways spend 2ft from the basket on offense. That's all the better for Stevie and Mobley to penetrate. If the opposition will not put a man on Ming for his 15ft shot then that will give Ming easy shots which he makes at a high percentage. Can't say that about Cato. On defense the fact that he's in there will affect shots. Sure what's his name at Ming's show in Chicago is taking bets on who dunks on him. That's easy to say. Even Eddie couldn't block all the shots. And you anti-Mingers are making the one move his friend did, (7'2" Center) as indication Ming is weak. Ming is not weak, that center was a good friend and in Chinese culture, you are not ruff to friends. Ming will learn to be mean and he will succeed because that's the NBA. And for Stevie, once he realize how good the team will play with a good center (Ming) and a servicable backup (Cato), he will be glad the Rockets picked Ming. Did I mention Ming can shoot freethrows, or that he is a fine passer? (that's according to RD). And the fact that he enjoys the game and wants to succeed makes him that much better as a #1 pick. One more question to all anti-Mingers. What is considered a bust? Is it if he's not averaging 20/10/3? When will you consider Ming NOT a bust? And yes, I will go to more Rockets games just to see Ming and I would probably buy his jersey.
