I'll always love Yao, jersey retirement justified However, don't overate his ability. He was a good NBA player, but was too finesse and lacked the aggression to be a 'great' player. His player mindset and natural ability didn't complement the God gifted physical arsenal. He gave his all, refs targeted him unfairly which made him even less of a physical player, however that can't be used as a scapegoat. He always lowered the ball below his waist after catches where he'd constantly get swiped and the Chinese stigma that dunking isn't really a 'good' thing led to so many power moves he started, but never finished. However he was improving every single year, his career got cut short.. since he never truly 'peaked' he had the potential to become a great player. He was becoming more aggressive and physical each year.
Chairman Yao reforms National team - separates into Red and Blue team. Old news but have not seen it posted. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-06/04/c_137229028.htm
As an American White Man, I could care less whether China splits their national team into a JV v Varsity squad or not,
Yao is the 4th greatest Rocket behind Hakeem, Moses, and Harden. His performance in the 09 Blazers series and Lakers series until hurt were downright dominant. He was at a level rarely seen.
But Chairman Yao was the leading force behind the Reformation. Now you know Zhou Chee is in the Red formation.
We should make 1 for Mount Mutombo, he was there. On a side note I saw AJ Hinch go yesterday at Ellington.