Remember Yao Ming has wanted to be in the NBA for at least two years! I feel sure that since he was drafted that he has been preparing himself for the cultural change. He has been to America, has seen TV and Movies, has eaten American Food and he has been a student of the American Game.From what we hear he is inlellegent and picks up Basketball information quickly. I would be more worried about the quality of the Houston Air and Water,also the Heat and Humidity ! If his mother stays and cooks for him he will be able to make the food transition. Its not only the things that we add in with the food, its also the oils etc that we use in cooking.Remember not many Chinese Restaurants prepare Chinese Food rather Chinese American style, just in case you didnt know!
Everyone wants him to bulk up. Watch what those bacon/jalapeno double meat-double cheese Whataburgers do for him. His mom better be stocking up on the Charmin...
During the 1999-2000 NBA season, I remember Cato was asking to come off the bench. Do you remember that game where Cato had 28 points against the Boston Celtics when he came off the bench. I think Cato would excell as a player coming off the bench. For one thing, he would not mind coming off the bench and for another thing his athleticism and defensive may come more effectively if he comes off the bench.
By the way, do any of you guys have in any video clips of Cato's dunk during the 1999-2000 season? The one I want most was Cato's dunk over the Atlanta Hawks. Said the announcers: "There's an alley-oop to Cato" "OOOOOOOOOOOOH" "When I tell you to stop and I want you to stop. Look where he caught that ball!" Calvin Murphy said referring to an instant replay. Does anybody have a clip og the dunk Cato had from a Walt Williams pass, or the dunk on Theo Ratliff?
If and when Cato does come off the bench, I dont think what he brings offensively will be as important as his defense and rebounding. Not saying his offense is not needed, but if he gets 2 pts, 6 rbs and a couple blocks and plays tough D behind Ming, I dont think anyone will mind that he only had 1 bucket.
I think that if it were solely up to Rudy then Yao would be brought into the starting lineup more gradually. However, with pressure from outside sources or other people within the organization pushing to have the #1 pick and international star in the starting line up right away for publicity, his debut in the starting lineup may come sooner
Ming starting from jump street would be a move that's done for PR reasons which a team that has such poor attendance would have to consider, but if the decision is purely a basketaball decision, I would think that starting Ming after 10 or more games, would best serve the Rockets from a chemistry standpoint, and I'd also be more concerned about keeping Mings' confidence level high and his transition period into the NBA as smooth as possible, which would be best served by Ming just chillin' for the first few games to allow him a chance to observe the flow of the NBA game up close for a short period of orientation and observation. I also wouldn't wanna see Ming get in early foul trouble by starting too soon which would minimize his effectiveness on defense (which the Rockets badly need in the paint down low)and consequently r****d his overall developmental process because he wouldn't be able to get into the flow of the NBA game on court with the continuity that prolonged minutes of play would give him. Rudy's substitution pattern between Ming and Cato is going to be crucial because both centers have a tendancy to get into foul trouble caused by their aggressive tendancy to try to block any and every shot put up down low in the paint (which is a good thing if managed properly), and this could make Collier a valuable part of the center equation, if Rudy's sense of substitution timing between his centers allows both Ming and Cato to not only stay out of needless foul trouble, but also allows Ming to get the continuity of actual minutes played on court. Interruptions in Ming's playing time, because of foul trouble will not be in the team's best interest or Ming's. I want Ming to be as comfortable as possible with his transition to the NBA which would most likely be better served with a more cautious approach which would also allow Ming to maintain his much needed need for privacy and keep needless pressure off of him. Give Ming the time, space and (patient) fan support that he needs and deserves (this dude is special). Big UPs^ to this very classy and talented new Rocket-make him feel you, Houston..... Minged out in SoCal
I have to believe and personally hope that the Rockets management and coaching staff are looking at the big picture: the long term. Simply moving, even to a new house, is enough of a disturbance to demand mental facalties to resettle. Moving from a completly different country in itself seems like quite a change. Athletes aren't robots, so it's reasonable the many changes in his life will affect Ming. Change of diet and area will most likely affect Ming physically also. The main reason I said after 10 games, is the fact that he has been on the "go" for a long time. Travel, basketbal, basketball, travel....over and over. I feel at the beggining, before he knows much about the offense, defense, teammates, and trust from/in teammates, Ming should get aound 15 minutes a game. That's not mentioning how exhausted he should be. Probably at the 6th game or so he will be getting 20-25 minutes. I can't see how coming in knowing nothing about our team and starting would be a positive thing for Ming, the Rockets, or Rocket fans. One thing for sure, he will change our team totally. The offense, that will be different because of what he opens up and the style he'll have. The defense will be different of course, yes! Ming can block and intimidate . IMHO Working him in slowly will allow the Rockets O/Defense to morph instead of abruptly changing between preseason and opening night. Consevative?
Everyone who voted on the first game was WRONG!!! It's okay though, I voted that Yao would start from the beginning of the season myself 53.85 percent of y'all still have a chance at becoming the next Miss Cleo
