No, conserve his energy for crunch time. He ran out of gas last night. I like him coming off the bench. He made such a huge difference when he did. Ming will be starting for most of his career, bring him along slowly. However, if he keeps playing like he did last night he will be playing most of every game.
I think the question shouldn't be "Should Yao start?" He will be a starter. The question should be,"Who should start with Yao?" Drop Kenny Thomas, replace him with Cato. For all his scoring ability,Mobley will be the sixth man. Maybe Yao won't start in five games, but eventually, it could be: Cato Yao Taylor Hawkins Francis Second five: Griffin Thomas Mobley Collier Maddox Waive M. Norris. If someone will take Rice, Nachbar or Morris should start. After the Rockets' 20th game, Yao should have enough experience to be a permanent starter. That 2-10 performance of Taylor (against Dallas) really tarnishes Taylor's record. Making my choice of him starting arguable at best. If he doesn't redeem himself soon, Thomas or Morris, or even Nachbar should start.
I still would prefer him to come off the bench, but would like to see him play at least 25 minutes per game for the next couple months. I'd really love to see him play 40 minutes, but that's too much to ask of him now. One thing is for sure......other than Stevie, he should be the primary option. Side Note: Notice how well Rice was shooting due to us establishing a post up game leaving him open shots.
It's been 10 games and although I'm all for Yao starting, let's not impede progress. Let's finish this year with him coming off strong from the bench and in January, give him the go ahead.
I say save him If Cato is ready to start. Cato was doing good this year. Id say Yao should get more minutes, but he was doing good comming off the bench and taking over the game. Since Yao appears to get winded easily maybe we need to save him for when we need him? If we are behind he can help us catch up. If we are winning he can help us to pour it on.
He should be starting base on skill, but I think the fatigue of playing all summer and the condition he needs to be in for a full NBA season is the issue here.
Rudy should start starting Yao, starting soon. He should stop not starting him, and start stopping not starting him as soon as Cato finishes stopping not starting, so Rudy can start stopping him starting, so Yao can start starting. Starting now, as soon as Rudy starts stopping Cato from starting, after Cato starts stopping his not starting, Yao should stop not starting, and start starting, starting tonight against Washington.
Actually Yao should come off the bench because then he won't compete the ball with Francis. Yao can dominate when Francis is on the bench, that way both players would be more effective.
NO! Yao Ming's tank has only about 24 min gas for each game in this season. If you want him to contribute to win throughout the season including playoffs, Rudy can only play him 24 min average. This is why I said earlier in another thread to play him in the second and fourth quarters. It will, 1. Have time to study the game from both sides. This way, he will be more effective given the fact that he was very late for this season. 2. Have time to recuperate for the crunch time. The best 1-2 to win a game at the crunch time, imho, are Steve and Ming. History says this is statistically a winning type. Just be a little more patient.
I aggre with you 100%. I blamed Rudy before for not giving ming more time, but after watching yesterday's game, I think it's better for ming to play a productive 18-24 min game than a tired forth quater.
Come on he is 22 years old, he can handle more then 24 minutes a game. Gradually increase his minutes to around 30-35, and see what happens. DaDakota
I have always beleived that a team is suppose to start its best five. Yao is now the Rockets best center. Yao Ming should start and should be a major focus on the offensive end. Rudy can sub Cato or Collier as Yao needs a break.
I think we all know the answer to this question is now a resounding yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been on his bandwagon the whole time but my god! I had no idea he could look this good. Let's enjoy the ride Houston
I think Yao is good e-nuff to be the starter But I belive he should come off the bench till mid season or even later Because he needs to get his legs under him for the LONG haul and he WILL hit the rookie wall sooner than most think So by having him come off the bench Rudy can get him to learn more about who ever is out playing in what ever game we are in save him for needed mins and big points in tight games and help save him for the WHOLE season
You know, we did win a championship with Sam Cassell(our best point guard that season) coming off the bench. I think Yao Ming is in a similar situation. One can see Cato starting over Ming, but when Collier started, it's obvious that Rudy feels that Ming is better served as a bench player. I've always felt that Ming's minutes shold be limited. Rookies are known to hit the 'Wall' due to the grueling NBA schedule. It's more important to keep Ming fresh for the playoffs.
