-->Discussion: what has Yao brought us? We picked up Yao at the first round, and we held great anticipations on this big Chinese guy. He's so BIG. And ever since then, Rockets' definited its target at the champion. In the second year, he lifted the team to the playoffs, and due to some reasons, we didn't go too far. A reformation was required, and in meantime, another desperate but most talented player in the league had declared he would like to play with the big guy. If we got someone else, I'm not sure we'd still have that attraction to Tmac. Great player has it's low ebbs, and when Tracy is trapped in depression, the big man will be taking over the responsibility and waiting for the leading to get back on track. Plus, the potential fans of Rox boosted from no more than 2 mil. dramatically to 1 bil. 202 millions! Ah-ha, he's devoted to the work that makes our team raising to a new level, and never care whom the leader title goes to.
back-on-track... I hardly understood a word of what you said, but I still agree. Yao has made such a big difference no matter how much people criticise him.
Well, Yao and TMac are an awesome duo and because Yao was here, Tmac came along too. So because of Yao, we have a feared inside outside combo lol with excellent role players around them.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dakeem1:</div><div class="quote_post">back-on-track... I hardly understood a word of what you said, but I still agree. Yao has made such a big difference no matter how much people criticise him.</div> Alrite Dakeem, if I could know which part bewildered you. He's the premise that Rockets builds its dynasty dream on, and now if they can keep the momenteum, we'll never be so close to the title. His appearence helped Rox avoid coming down to a rate-cut team in the league
Yeah Yao has brought so much for this club.. he carried the team to the playoff for the first time in 5 years last season and once again he did it this season. But I doubt it very seriously if he can do it without other "star player". I mean, right now the leader of the team is T-mac, and i think last year also was Francis. So Yao needs a superstar to know how to utilize his ability to its maximum level. And so far, T-mac is quite successful to exploit that..and its just getting better. But, In 2 or 3 years i hope Yao can also have that leadership mentality where he can utilize his supporting cast as well.
Yao is definitely one for the ages. He has already outdone what many people had expected of him when he was first picked by Houston. Yao has brought us low post scoring, something we didn't have since Olajuwon left, hope and fans. The team was never expected to go anywhere deep into the playoffs, if they had ever made it, with Francis and Mobley leading the team. Once Yao got here, we were labelled as playoff locks. Yao brought championship hopes in the future to fans who were desperate for change. He brought us at least 10 million more fans. Whether that's a bad thing or not, it definitely helped the team get more national and worldwide exposure.
He gives us 18/8 a night...a big man who can shoot as well as score in the post...arguably the best passing center in basketball...an unselfish, humble man who still is going to improve more, and has improved drastically with each passing season thus far...
lol that is so true. I dunno why but I think he brings a more humble side to the Rockets, like he doesnt showboat or does flashy stuff.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Shooter:</div><div class="quote_post">He gives us 18/8 a night...a big man who can shoot as well as score in the post...arguably the best passing center in basketball...an unselfish, humble man who still is going to improve more, and has improved drastically with each passing season thus far...</div> Best passing C right now is still probably Brad Miller, since Vlade Divac hasn't played this season. Yao can pass but the Rockets offensive sets don't utilize his passing as much (he is averaging what? 1 assist a game?). If Yao spent more time in the high post he would probably get more assists, but if it ain't broke don't fix it!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting johnny33:</div><div class="quote_post">If Yao spent more time in the high post he would probably get more assists, but if it ain't broke don't fix it!</div> Agreed! However, I've always wondered how Yao would do if JVG utilizes Yao the same way Adelman utilizes Brad. I mean, Yao has a better shooting touch than Brad, better pick (naturally cause Yao's bigger), and what's more, Yao imo can do the pick and roll better than Brad (as we have witnessed in this series). What's more important though, if Yao plays a high-post offense, he won't get tired easily. With the current offense Yao has to bang down low Shaq-style. That has taken a toll on his stamina and endurance. I bet you if JVG is running the Kings offense around Yao, we would see a much fresher Yao that can play maybe 35+ mpg. And I keep wondering...
Yao has brought houston t mac. so he has brought a lot, the criticism will always be there but you have to admit there are some weaknesses in his game his very soft and ive seen him on some posters lately but he has improved a lot since hes been drafted.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting QbanBalla15:</div><div class="quote_post">Yao has brought houston t mac. so he has brought a lot, the criticism will always be there but you have to admit there are some weaknesses in his game his very soft and ive seen him on some posters lately but he has improved a lot since hes been drafted.</div> He's soft, sometimes, and that's the truth. But he's ability is comparatively too integrated to be muddled by his weakness. He could be aggressive but he doesn' want to, as you can always notice that he hasn't totally won the respect from referees. What's more, you can't measure an Asian's physical condition with American's or African's.
You know what we need? A tough, physical power forward. Someone who will bang around inside, grab rebounds, and just take the pressure and heat off Yao in general. If we had someone like this Yao would play much better and be more consistent. For as long as Yao has been in the NBA, we had no-one like this. Not Mo Taylor, not Juwan Howard, and certainly not the likes of our current lineup of Ryan Bowen, Spoon, Vin Baker and Scott Padgett!
The best player I've seen to compliment Yao was Kelvin Cato. Cato had the type of game that filled-in where Yao's was deficient. I always thought that they should have never included Cato as part of the McGrady package.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting kingrex:</div><div class="quote_post">The best player I've seen to compliment Yao was Kelvin Cato. Cato had the type of game that filled-in where Yao's was deficient. I always thought that they should have never included Cato as part of the McGrady package.</div> Right on the money there. I was very disappointed when Cato went away. He was a very very good compliment to Yao because he's a tough defensive PF that has a knack for rebounding. Anyways, who do you guys think should the Rockets pursue next year to fill in this PF void? It's been plaguing us all year long and the Rockets are seriously so much better if we can have a solid PF lineup.
I would say through the draft. A guy like Ronny Turiaf, Channing Frye and Wayne Simien would most likely mean immediate help and all would probably be eager to prove themselves in their rookie year. I would say Turiaf would be best since he plays above average post defense, good shotblocker, good rebounder and has a good mid range jumper. Cato was defense with no J and Howard has a J but doesn't provide very good defense. I'm intrigued at the fact that Turiaf seems to be a perfect mix of the two. Free agent wise, Reggie Evans would be good, but I would have a good shotblocker rather than a rebounder. The rebounding is good right now IMO, Howard's doing good, Yao's improved and Sura is always good. TMac also gives us 6 a game. That being said, if we get a chance to pursue someone like Tyson Chandler in the offseason, I'll be all for it but it looks like Chicago will match any offer he receives.
