What can we do for Ming Yao & Rockets? After all, we are just fans. I trust Rockets organization to know all they need to know, consider all the factors/options, and choose the right player for their #1 draft. This is not democracy at work. They never asked for our input, didn't they? We don't have a vote to choose the right player, either. Some Rockets people are paid big bucks for doing their job. Let them do their job. However, what I would suggest all of us to spend some time to think is what we - as fans - can do to help if Rockets chooses Yao. There are two major concerns I have read/heard so far if Yao is drafted and kept in Houston: (1) His physical weakness and adjustment to the NBA style of play. (2) His play time/practice time/salary in relation with Chinese government/CBA/Shanghai Sharks. There is really not much we - as fans - can do about (1) other than being patient. It took Hakeen 10 years to earn a NBA ring. It took several years even for Michael Jordon and Sharq. We should be patient and trust Rockets organization to re-train him. After all there are plenty gyms in Houston. About the second point, I wonder if we can help by writing to the Chinese government, CBA, Shanghai Sharks, and the Chinese media to explain to them that it's to their best interest not to put too much restriction on Yao. The idea is that if enough voices are raised, they may have to listen. We can have various opinions expressed in both Chinese and English. Some may be "sticks" and some may be "carrots." Some of the opinions may not be appropriate for Rockets to voice but it would not hurt if it comes from the fans. From the past experience, the Chinese government does care about "saving faces." Although they are still an authoritarian government, they do listen more than ever before, especially if there are money and consequences involved and the opinions are from overseas. Let's be load and be heard! If y'all think it's worth a try, we can write several form letters as examples and put up the physical addresses and e-mail addresses for the Chinese governing body for sports, CBA, Shanghai Sharks, and several Chinese news organizations in both English and Chinese. You perhaps have some other ideas and concerns on how we can help. Please list them here for discussions as well. There are several other minor concerns such as his English and the culture shock etc. On such fronts, forming a fan club and buy more Rockets tickets may be a good idea: http://www.directron.com/yaoming.html
I think Yao Ming is the right way for the Rockets to go.. but I seriously doubt the Chinese would have any respect for the voice of the people. Their society does not conceptually work that way, such attempts may in fact be considered just the opposite. However, I DO think they might respect that this is the home state of the President of the United States and the home city of the former President. And so they should.
What can we do for Ming Yao? We can urge him to get a Moochie style fro working!!! A YAOFRO! LOL can you tell I like this picture?
rockHEAD -- perhaps unknowingly, you make a great point!!!! we can help Ming get the funk...and keep it alive... glory be..the funk's on Ming!!!
Well, we can start by asking Kareem if he could help us develop this guy. Kareem said Kandi really didn't listen because most guys had mailed it in and Bradley didn't listen an he wanted to shoot long jumpers, but maybe this guy will. I can imagine a hook shot coming from a 7'5 guy jumping. When Kareem was young, he used to jump so high and flick the shot down, that its still the best low post move ever. That would help him a lot.
Here is a "carrot" Dear so-and-so: If Yao Ming helps Rockets to win an NBA championship, it will be a glorifying day not only for Houston, but also for China and Chinese people all over the world. It will also mean money and more fans for the Chinese governing body of sports, CBA, and Shanghai Sharks (choose one). In order for Yao to have such a chance, he needs the time to get trained, retrained, and play with the Rockets to the fullest. Please allow the maximum possible time (and salary) for him to play and train with Rockets. That would be the best for Yao, China, we Rockets fans, AND YOUR ORGANIZATION! We understand the need for him to play Chinese National Team sometimes, but winning an NBA championship is just as important if not more!
That's great, rockHEAD! E-mail it to The NY Daily News or something. Tell 'em it's part of a secret Rockets marketing plan- I bet they'd run with it!
Well, I am not an official Rockets fan yet, but that will change at the moment Rockets drafts Yao. I believe Rockets will draft Yao simply because that's a good business decision. So as a rockect fan-to-be, I feel we can at least try to convince the Rocket organization to hire back the Dream and let him tutor Yao for one or two years. I don't know how they can get the Dream back, but Hakeem will definitley help the development of Yao Ming.
One thing we can remember to do for Ming Yao is to but his sur-name first. We all know by now that Yao is his sur-name and we should all know that the Chinese place the sur-name first. It sympolizes the family comes before the induvidual. If you write the name as Ming Yao then you are placing the individual before the family. So remember, his name is Yao Ming.
Here is a "stick" Dear so-and-so: Negotiate all you want, however, if you don't cooperate with Rockets and Yao to allow Yao the maximum play/train time in Houston, I'll cancel my next (five) trips to China, stop purchasing anything labeled mic for (one month), and tell every one how bad your organization is. Your unreasonable demand will only worsen the image of your organization and turn away your fans. It will also cost you money. BTW, I will also complain about this matter to UN! Or something like that. Use your imagination. (make your choice) ******** Yao Ming sounds better to Chinese speaking people, but is confusing to the non-Chinese speakers.
