With all the talk about whether or not we should get Ming or not, I wonder what Stevie is thinking about this? I know he said on the Jim Rhome show that he really didn't have enough information on him to make a decision to pick him or not and that he basically said Cato held his own this year. My question is do you think Steve could share the limelight with a guy who has proven nothing in this league? This pick would have international ramifications and a world spotlight on the Rockets or should I say on Mr. Ming. Would Steve think that he is playing second fiddle? Does he have an ego like a Tracy McGrady or a Jason Kidd? Only time will tell. Does Steve already think that he has enough help to win the big one or does he believe in himself that much that he alone(without Ming) could contend for a championship? And what about Cuttino? I am sure he doesnt mind being second fiddle to his good friend stevie franchise but what about Ming? Would Ming even get the ball in the post from Steve or CAT enough to be happy? I am sure they won't be hanging out after practice? This is Steve's (and Cats to a degree) team with or without Ming.
Cato these are very good questions. I would say that this is as much an opportunity for Steve as it is for anyone. If he chooses to continue those one on one, dribble dribble plays,then yes it will be a problem for him. However, if he plays like Kidd, it should be a bonanza for him. With so much talent and an improved defense, I would think that the play would be more up tempo and lots of shots to go around. I would say that Francis and Mobley probably will not be able to dominate the ball as they did last year, which I think is a good thing.
If Ming isn't an almost complete flop it won't be "Steve's team" in the sense that you might be talking about it. Yao especially at the beginning and also later, if he really takes off, will get probably more spotlight. Who knows, Yao might even have more of the personality to be the "man". That could be the best thing to happen to Steve. He can concentrate on his game and being a good teammate. I don't think Steve is really that great of a leader. He really doesn't have the personality for it, though as we often debate he does have many of the aspects of the game for it. If Yao takes off and Steve can't handle it, then it will be time to trade him.
If he cant take it just trade the brat to Charlotte and hope they decide to relocate to Vancouver instead of New Orleans ...
Well I hope all this talk about Steve not wanting to play with Ming is not correct. I wondered about this yesterday and how steve would react only to come online and find out from TroyBaros that Steve had put down an ultimatum. I started this thread yesterday because of how people perceive steve since his days of backing out of being picked by Vancouver. I sure hope the reports are not true.
Given that he doesn't play in the post, I don't think that will be a problem. And Yao does? Seriously, if you listen to everyone that has actually watched him play, they all say that he's basically an outside player and that he doesn't mix it up too much inside.
I read an article that talked about the fact that Yao is a "team player" --doesn't think in terms of personal accomplishments as much as team success. It's something that is evidently stressed in China. While I think that would be great, I don't think it lends itself to leadership role.
I think it'll be Steve's team. Yao may change the game we play, but I think it'll always be Steve's team if he's the point and leads the team in scoring. Yao's not going to lead the team in scoring. He'll have to get his, but him getting his will just make it easier for Stevie to get his too. That's what makes Yao so appealing.
