I believe Yao has proved his work ethic is solid. He may need time to adjust, as every rookie does, but I feel this is the player that is going to make us instant contenders. He is hailed in China as the Shaq of their league and has a lot of expectations from his original fan base and from us as Rockets fans. How could a 7'5 player go wrong? These critics who compare him to Bradley haven't done their research. Ming is young, he's huge, and he's extremely smart. He has the desire to compete with the best players in the world and shoots a high percentage. For the honor of his country, he'll never accept failure. The world is watching. He'll deliver. You can't compare him to the other Chinese players in the league. They weren't good enough to be number one. He is. We're going to rock this year.
Rock I have that same feeling. IF you look back at that Rocket's team that won 45 games and didn't make the playoffs. That team could have won 50+ games if Hakeem and Taylor didn't get hurt at the end. And Shannon Anderson wasn't starter material. I just got this feeling that the West better lookout , the Rockets are going to be a Team to reckon with.
I herd dat'. A new concept if there ever was one. I bet some of these guys could even hustle, do the dog, the swim, and the smashed potato....in yo' face (the Lakers that is).
Didn't want to start a new thread, so I'll just stick this link onto this thread since it concerns Yao Ming Shanghai Star Yao Ming Article Hurdles remain, per the article.
Despite his exceptional size and his considerable skills, Ming's greatest assets may be his intelligence and motivation. Based on his interviews, Ming appears well educated and very bright. These qualities will contribute to his success more than anything else. Prediction: he will be an All Star by his third year. Another thing, racial prejudice is at the root of all the "dissing" that is going on; it is assumed that a Chinese player can't really play NBA basketball. And that is the "dirty little secret." Remember when Blacks couldn't swim, play tennis, or golf?
