You have to look at the competition in China and compare it to Junior College players in the US. Benoit is the 2nd best player, behind Ming currently, that should tell you why Ming has no fear banging inside in China. Wang dominated the chinese league, and that translates to a big man (sorta) that can not handle the inside abuse by the NBA, so he likes to shoot outside (my prediction for Ming during his first few years). Look at Griffin, all the scouting reports had him with great post moves. That translates to the same thing as Wang in the NBA. Of course Wang will never be what Griffin will evidentally become. BUT DONT TAKE MY WORDS, TAKE MINGS!!!! this was part of an interview with ABC (Asian Basketball Confereration). ABC: Tell us about Wang's game. What makes him such a good player? Yao: He's my best opponent to compete against and the best target to work toward. ABC: What does Wang do on court that makes him such a good player? In terms of defence or offence? Yao: Defence. Wang's defence area is bigger than mine, because he is more versatile than I am, especially in his offence as well. Maybe because of the latter
Just remember that having the number one pick is a bonus. We all expected the Rockets to pick fifth in the draft, and possibly pick up a decent role player. The Rockets have nothing to lose by picking Ming. It is a worthwhile risk.
ZRB, I usually agree with most of your posts. But eventhough the Rockets have a bonus pick this season, they do not have an extra one. Another words drafting at #5 could result in a future star. Names like Woods, Dunleavy, Bulter all have the potential to be more than Role Players. I consider role players one-dimensional players (taylor, anderson, etc...). If we had an ACTUAL BONUS PICK, outside of that orginal #5 - then HELL YEAH PICK WANG!! (I mean Ming). Question is the players I mentioned, Rockets GET TO SEE, Rockets GET TO WORK OUT, Rockets GET TO SEND TO SUMMER LEAGUES, Rockets GET TO PUT ON SPECIAL WORK OUT PROGRAMS, Rockets GET TO HELP THEM BUILD TRUST WITH THEIR TEAMATES (during trainging camp/off season), Rockets GETS TO TWEAK THEIR SKILLS DURING PRESEASON, all the things that we already know 100% that Ming will not be allowed to do........... Ming is a total gamble, and we will never be able to see what he can do (or not - see wang) until possible 1-2 months into the season (see wang's release last year from china). I do not know ZRB if Ming will pan out. It is worse than a crap shoot in Vegas, the only guarantee is that he will ad exposure & money to the Rockets organization.
