http://www.sportingnews.com/voices/sean_deveney/mailbag/20020920.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I know Yao Ming is 7-5, but the guy has a great outside shot, great mobility and lower body strength. What he doesn't have is upper body strength. Would there be any mileage in having him play power forward for his first couple of years until he builds up his strength? You could let Maurice Taylor or Kenny Thomas play the low post, and have Yao Ming set up 15 feet away. Dominic Gribben *** Dominic: One other thing, besides upper body strength, that Yao does not have is a qualified barber. Who cuts that hair, John Deere? Is he going for a flat-top look? If so, can we bring in David Robinson to consult him on this issue? It's a good point you bring up, though. Technically, Yao will play center for the Rockets (off the bench, behind Kelvin Cato, in the early season), and defensively, he will play a pretty standard role. His job will be to stand in the paint, keep his hands up and do what he does best -- act really tall. He's already got that part figured out. Offensively, it's a different story. Yao is most useful away from the basket, setting up eight feet away to work for a shot in the paint, passing and running pick-and-rolls out of the high post, or popping the 15- to 18-foot jumper. These are not common center skills, but Yao's got them. For Rudy T., this has got to be exciting. He is a pretty creative coach, and he is going to have to be in order to use Yao well. The Rockets, offensively, got too bogged down in those Steve Francis Isolation Specials. That will change.
It was established,(Not by me)about 6 weeks ago(BBS) that Yao Ming would start inorder to keep face with China and to help their Basketball keep face! I ask, has there been a change of heart,by the Rockets. It would only seem logical to give Yao Ming a break in period! Althgough the few preseason Games he plays, should be an indicator of his adaptability, to the NBA Game.
In an interview to Chinese press yesterday, Yao Ming did not address the issue about whether he would start or not. He did say that Rockets would use him for rebound and pass IMMEDIATELY. He would do whatever to work out the scheme with the team as far as the offensive game is concerned. He said he would do the dirty work and the hard work as long as those benefit the team. Considering his last game in Asian Games will be held on Oct. 14. I think that he will be pretty tired when the season starts. The earlist possible date for his arrival to Houston will be Oct. 16. But he did say that he wants to play hard and play well on Oct 30 in Indiana (Rockets vs. Pacers pre-game). To him, Indiana was a nightmare that he would never forget until he would have another chance to prove him THERE.
"It was established,(Not by me)about 6 weeks ago(BBS) that Yao Ming would start inorder to keep face with China and to help their Basketball keep face! I ask, has there been a change of heart,by the Rockets." Well as long as the BBS has worked it out, I guess it is a done deal. To bad Wang Zui Zui couldn't get that type of support from the Dallas Board.
