Yao has been much more aggressive as of late. Though there are variety of explanations I thought the following gives some insight as key variable that has been paying dividends. "Rockets Have Plenty in Reserve" - Houston Chronicle I believe a crucial variable has been his as well as the frontcourt's level of energy and the establishing of a 4-man rotation between the 4 and 5 spots that have made the difference. Thoughts or opinions about this?
It's all coach speak. The Rocket's have about as much bench support as a folding chair at a weight watcher's meeting. Raven
One of the most amusing thing about Yao's recent play is the way the national media reacts to it. They were just about to finally dismiss him as Rik Smits +... when he went on a tear and then took it to Shaq. My guess is, it won't be too long before he has another poor run of games. Either way, Yao won't let them make up their minds. Some of them have gotten smart, and have cut out the hyperbole... others have decided their minds are made up, and just look like idiots about half the time.
I looks to me that Yao finally started showing a "I'm a two-time All Star. Who the heck are you?" mentality and I really like it.
That's funny. Pike looks pretty sad on the bench, but then he looks worse on the court. What happened???
he is simply starting to become more confident in himself and his abilities against the league - I think it started a month ago, but the rookie game/all-star weekend really helped, w/ guys like Boozer prasing Yao (so he finally is getting repect from other players in the league - not just teammates) I also think that VG is simply making the team feed him the ball more, so if he starts slow, he can still get 16-18 points (because instead of retreating, he is still getting shots in the 4th) In fact, I think he has several games where half his points came in the 4th! I have him on my fantasy basketball team, so I have really watched his stats all year - and I think that the Tues game continues this trend (even though he only had 16 and 6 - after all he only played 22 mins.! - if he plays his normal 33 he probably goes for 24 and 10!)
It's funny how when Yao first came into the league, he was compared to Shawn Bradley. Now a season later, he is being compared to Rik Smits. What's next? I have first dips on Yao = Vlade Divac come next season.
Yao Ming performance is often determined on the mind set of the Guards.If Francis and Mobley have made the mental transition and are determined to play the 'Team Game'then we are in for many visions of a determined Yao Ming.Y/M confidence must have been given a serious boost by his last two performances. I look forward to more of them. Yao Ming will never be a Jabar or a Wilt or a Hakkem or even a Shaq but will be the the only Yao Ming, unlike the other greats.
His performance in the All-star game is definite embrace into where he stands in the league. By not always passing the ball..but going after it,..and taking his shots... I think he's turned a bit of a mental corner.
why is rik smits name thrown around like he was a chump.... dude could play, smits was a very good player....his rebounds were not nearly enough, but he could dunk play decent D until he had foot problems and could shoot with the best of them... lets not make the mistake of simply pigeon hole him with bradley.... it looks almost as silly as people putting Yao in the Bradley category
I'm don't buy the guards not giving him the ball argument (oft repeated elsewhere). Yao has shown his ability prior to the last two games only to fade again. Van Gundy has pointed this out in the past about Yao putting the responsibility on Yao's shoulders and not the guards - particularly Yao's level of energy he brings to the game and not knowing which Yao we are going to get. I can buy that his resurgence may be more of a confidence level but I'm not sure that explains it all either. There has been discussion in the past regarding Yao's conditioning and his physical level of energy in the past and I hadn't really put much weight to this variable until recently with several Van Gundy comments and seeing the Rockets put a 4 man rotation in for the front-court.
Hey Yao's been in the league for only 2 years! Look at Michael Redd or whatever, it just takes time to unlock the potential.
I wonder if JVG has finally figured out how to rest Yao and still maximize his effectiveness on the court. Or if this is all Yao's doing (playing better lately) or a combination of both. Whatever has been happening Yao appears to be playing better, have more energy, which just makes him much more active. J *Yao doesnt look as exhausted as usual.
Yao is gaining confidence, especially with games where he outplays Shaq (although it is important to note that he didn't have Karl Malone there to thwap him on the nuts while the officials look the other way). But Yao will have his rough spots, too. Playing basketball all year, I suppose his legs sometimes feel like lead and he sometimes can barely drag himself out of bed. Excuses, excuses, but I attribute his rough spots to mental and physical fatigue and his adjustments to how fouls are and are not called. Plus our guards only get him the ball about half of the time.
Yao Ming responds to fan e-mails Yao Has the Answers Rockets center, and West All-Star, Yao Ming took some time to answer fan e-mails during All-Star Weekend. Here's what he had to say about everything from China's chances in the next Olympics to having Patrick Ewing as a coach. [The first five questions were submitted by fans through NBA.com/china.] What is the happiest and worst moment you have experienced during your NBA career? Yao: "My worst moment was my fourth game in the NBA in which I didn't score any points. That was even worse than my first game. My best moment was the first time I started an NBA game." You performed great against Shaquille O'Neal in the game before the All-Star Weekend. Are there any secrets? Does that mean you improved a lot in the past year or is there another reason? Yao: "I think the reason was that I was more aggressive in the game. I think I have improved a lot over the past year." Can China's national team (finish) top eight in the coming Olympics? Yao: "I think we have a chance, but it will be difficult." What are your wishes for this year? The Rockets improved on defense, but the offense is not as spectacular as last season. With the departure of good scorers like (James) Posey and (Eddie) Griffin, will this affect the Rockets' (chances of) making it to the Playoffs? Yao: "I hope I can have a nice vacation! I don't think that will affect us -- in the playoffs defense is more important than offense." What do you want to say to the Chinese fans at this moment? Yao: "Keep watching Chinese players!" On the Chinese National Team, we already have three centers who have played (or are) playing in the NBA. However, the guard play is not so good and it is the weakest link for Chinese basketball. What's your opinion? Why do we lack great guards and how do we improve in this regard? (Xiaoyong, Bellevue, Wash.) Yao: "I don't think that the guards in China have enough experience in big international games. The big guys have played in many important games and know what it's like. Our guards need to be exposed to more of that high level of competition." How is it playing with such a great player like Steve Francis? How has he helped you become a better basketball player? Who is your closest friend on the team? Keep up the hard work and dedication to make the Rockets a better team. (Lukas, Oshkosh, Wis.) Yao: "Steve always gives me a smooth runway on which to land. He makes things easier. I'm friends with many of the guys. I can't pick out one person whom I would say is my closest friend." Hey Yao! You're one of the biggest things to hit the NBA (rhetorically and literally) and your stardom came so quick. How does it feel to be such an icon in not only North America but especially in China? (Grant, Smithville, Ontario, Canada) Yao: "Sometimes it's tiring. But it's also a lot of fun." Have you learned more about the game since acquiring Patrick Ewing on your team? Do you feel you are getting better as a player and as a teammate because of your new coach? (Chris, San Diego) Yao: "He teaches me how to deal with all the different situations you run into on the court as a center, and how to respond to those situations. He has definitely helped my development as a player." http://www.nba.com/allstar2004/yao_mailbox_040219.html
In the most recent Lakers game, Bill Walton said Yao is the last man standing against Shaq. He can't believe what he's seeing, it's historical, Yao calling for the ball against Shaq. That was done in the Fourth quarter, I guess Yao is over the hump as far as conditioning goes.
