Anyone else notice that Yao is suspiciously being treated like a veteran by the league refs? Sure, he's being called for a few things every game, but all in all, he gets away with an awful lot of body contact stuff and over-the-back stuff. And the refs are certainly not looking the other way when someone hacks him on the offensive end. In other words, 20 games into his NBA career, he's being treated like a veteran center. Of course, I couldn't be happier about this, but doesn't it seem odd? I wonder if the league office sent some kind of top-secret "suggestion" to the refs, reminding them that Yao is a huge attraction, here and especially in China -- where (according to the Clippers announcers) more Chinese people are watching regular season Rockets games than Americans watched the NBA *finals* last year. David Stern wants Yao in the games, not riding the pine, y'know? I'm just sayin'...
I don't think the league sends the refs anything on which players should be protected. The refs know which players the fans want to see and will give them the star treatment.
Good observation. I was noticing this as well. I think it started back in that monster game he had versus the Mavs. I'm not sure why he's getting calls, but he's definitely getting the benefit of the calls. He goes over the back to slap at rebounds many times and almost every time there's some contact. He got called for it once against the Clippers, but it could have been called several times in past games and wasn't. Another thing I've noticed is that Ming has learned how to flop. I don't know whether to be happy or sad about that since the team I hate the most (the Jazz) are some of the most notorious floppers in the league. Maybe it's because he doesn't whine after calls and the refs respect that? Maybe it's an order from the league offices that they need to sell merchandise in China? Oh no, the conspiracy theories.. Whatever the reason, I'm happy he's getting the calls.
It is not a good thing, but since it goes on, it may as well benifit us. I hate the cheating that goes on in this league. It is only there to attract casual fans, and turns off true fans of the game. This explains the steady decline in ratings since 1995, when the NBA Finals reached their all time high. If a player is so good, he doesn't need official help, these guys take away from the credibiility of the game, and you might as well watch wrestling. This goes for you Jordan fans too, and especially so.
Great points Doc. I know alot of people feel that Yao gets alot of cheap foul calls, and Im not saying he doesnt. But like you said, he consistently reaches over the back and smacks at the ball in addition to using his off arm on offense to clear out his defender. Yao does have an excellent demeanor on the court. Whats the over/under on how many technical fouls he will have in his career?
naaaahhh, no conspiracies, i think it is that he is sooo damn tall. he really can reach over someone and not put his body on them. i have notices that he leans over them, but once his weight shifts and he starts to body them, he pulls back. the fact he is so tall, means he will be able to reach over the heads of alota guys. the reaching foul is really about putting your body on the other player, thus preventing them from getting the rebound, yao just takes that b****!!
Yao is getting calls because he's playing well and playing aggressively. Refs will succumb to human nature. They see Ming as a presence on the court, or more importantly, that the other team respects him as one. A byproduct seems to be he's getting the benefit of some calls for being the aggressor. This was not happening early in the year when he was struggling and uncomfortable on the floor. Now that he is obviously worlds more confident and comfortable on the floor, everyone, not just the refs, are giving him respect out there.
