I found it very interesting when the Rockets staff basically announced that this year, Yao Ming would only play 24 minutes a game. I feel like it wasn't necessary at all to publicize the information. It could have been a totally de facto thing that all the Rockets and Yao knew about but wouldn't tell everyone. Because now when Yao is on the floor, it's like a ticking clock that the opponent and the Rockets can all see. Come the 24th minute, they know that Yao is off their hands. And they all know that Yao can't give 100% during the game so they can adjust their defenses or offenses to it. I feel like this is damaging to the Rockets' psyche and very empowering for the other team. It's also pretty bad for the Rockets too to know that their best center and defensive presence won't be able to play with them the whole game. I wonder what they are thinking when Yao is on the floor. Is it urgency? panic? I don't know, I just think the whole strict 24 minute rule makes little sense when they can just do what Shaq has been doing for the last few years, sitting out parts of games but not actually declaring it a law.
Our offense just doesn't flow well because it is so predictable with Yao in the game. They try to maximize Yao's touches which leaves Martin/Brooks/Scola not being able to be as effective within the normal flow of offense.
i think someone would have figured it out when his minutes played all ended right before 24 mins.... and it's not a law...it's been said a few times that it can change and more than likey will as the season goes on...gotta deal with it for now
How would the opponents not know Yao is limited to 24 minutes, if they Rockets don't announce it. Are NBA scouts unable to read the previous box scores of their opponent?
Probably good for Yao, bad for the team. I think it is very disruptive to team chemistry and rhythm. - You are so right I like Yao BUT I am Rocket Fan first. A set amount of mins for a player is just silly, BUT even more silly is the Rockets are letting it happen. He sould play the mins of a starter or move on in a trade. IMO
I don't understand why they make it so complicated. If Yao is playing bench minutes, then he should come off the bench and let Brooks and Martin do their thing.
