what do you guys think? Im hoping he will, but Cato knows our system. Ming still has alot to learn and get accustomed to.
I voted within the 1st ten games, but I almost think he could start Day 1. I had always thought Cato would start day 1, but now I'm almost 50-50. I've read so much about Ming starting and he did play well in the WC's. I'm just split on this. Got a headache as well.
I don't know but can you imagine how Cato would react when he lose his starter's spot to a rookie. He'll go on operation shutdown or something like it.
I think Ming will start after coming off the bench for the first 10 games but it's possible that he might start in the very first game.
I remebered that Cato only played around 24 minutes per game last year. Was he a starter for a whole last season?
Yeah. Only other guys were the 39 year old Kevin Willis and the incredible Creampuff man, Jason Collier. Cato pretty much had them beat, though Willis did make him work. I think Griffin may have played there a little bit too, but I don't think he STARTED many games there. Probably only when the 3 above were hurt.
I voted for Yao to start in the first game, but I am sure Kelvin will share minutes equally . It is a sure thing yao will have foul problems this year, but I think the offence will thrivewhile he is in there with Steve.
He has to start...none of this work him in slowly business. He either can do it or he can't. You can't bring the #1 player off the bench. He has too take his lumps.
I agree. Most big men are foul prone during their rookie seasons. Im sure there are a couple of exceptions though. Ming had foul troubles at the WC and with him not knowing the NBA style of play, its a bad combination.
Rudy has stated Ming is the guy. Cato has stated Ming is the guy and he 'just wants to win'. If Ming gets in foul trouble and possibly in certain sets they both might be on the floor. But its my guess Ming will likely start from day 1. The only reason he wouldn't would be if he has trouble in the 2 or 3 preseason games he will probably play in.
I voted for after 10 but before the All Star break. This is just wishful thinking. I would rather see Yao Ming adjust to the travel, the physicality of the NBA and to American culure slowly against some second units...but I really think the Rockets have him penciled in to start from Game 1.
I'm wondering Gater, what culture adaptation does he have to adjust to exactly? I have heard this said time and time again..he isnt gonna get a chance to experience American culture..he's gonna be too busy practicing, playing..travel...repeat ad nauseum for an 82 game schedule..the only day offs he will get will be on the allstar beak..and even then I hope he will be in the rookie game..Everything he does and everywhere he goes will be in the company of the Rockets. I just dont see this as gettin in the way of his play... The travel...jeeze..he's been traveling all over the world nonstop for how long now? He traveles much further in one road trip with the Chinese NT than he will during the first half of the season with the Rox... Ok...maybe the physicality...he will have to adjust to this I am sure...but then again..he did prettty well against the best we sent to the WCs didnt he? I also voted for after 10 but before the break btw...I think he will need time to get used to working with the team..and thats the only reason why..in my eyes.. oh, btw Gater...this in no way was personal at you...I have seen these arguments used for a while and finally snapped..Anybody who has used the arguments against Yao Ming can feel free to step up and explain why you think this way...
Rockets2K - No offense taken. It's a good question. Here's my take on it. First is food. The average American diet is vastly different from the average Chinese diet. I have heard the "Tony Roma's" reference but I have never heard it from a reliable source. Also, I just don't think the 42+ motel rooms Yao is going to be dining in during the season are going to among his favorites. Even Kobe had trouble in this department! Perhaps windandsea can comment further on the food aspects. Secondly are the fans. Ever remember reading that Yao had to be coerced into dunking? It was considered rude in his culture. I would expect the fans in China to be a great deal more civil than what Yao will find in NBA away games. He is surely going to get verbally assaulted. Now, you may want to argue that he doesn't speak enough English to be bothered but thousands of red-faced people screaming at the top of their lungs and shaking their collective fists at you translates very easly. Next is the feeling of belonging. Yao is different from every other Rocket. I don't mean that in a bad way. Just think of a new person starting work where you are employed. Now imagine that person is from another country, speaks broken English, doesn't own a hip hop CD and doesn't care about drinking or chasing women... IMHO, Yao Ming is a very focused young man and is very culturally centered...unlike many posters here, I just don't expect him to ever be the type to buy a lavish car, drink alcohol, chase women, etc... Unless or until the Rockets players (and management and maybe even fans) develop an acceptance and understanding of these differences, Yao will never feel completely comfortable. Last is an extention of belonging. Have you ever travelled for work? Ever been glad to get back home? Well, even Houston will not feel like home for a good length of time. Home is where you call old friends...and old friends are usually those that have your same value system. Old friends are also those whom you share common experiences with. These experiences will come...in time. If you still are not convinced (or at least not inclined to understand), just imagine you have been trransferred by your employer to Taiwan (yes, I know that's not the Mainland). You do not see any adjustment period?
It will take a while... If I'm Rudy, I don't want to play Ming 35-40 mins per game (fouls not withstanding). Ming has been playing basketball pretty much year round this year. Play him a lot now, and we play the price in April and May, when we hopefully reach the playoffs. As has been mentioned 900 times before, it will also take Ming a little bit of time to get adjusted to the speed and style of the NBA. Remember, Ming is a rookie from another country, so he won't know all that much about his opponent. Once Ming gets familiarized with his new surroundings, as well as making sure he is well rested, then I say put him in. The question is, how long will that take? I didn't even bring up the fact that Ming will have only been with the team for like 1 week also... That's just not enough time to be able to start from Day 1. Unfortunately, the NBA isn't a pickup game that consists of 5 random players on each teams.
