How will Yao fit in?

[dream34]

Serious question - TMac is arguably our most talented played. Obviously he has dropped off a lot, and would need an adjustment period, but he is still a proven top talent in this league. The Rockets aren't willing to give him that shot because the team plays differently now. We play a much faster pace, much more team-oriented game.

It's understandable that he doesn't fit in anymore - he has typically controlled the entire pace of the game, which we have now turned over to our young point guards. It's understandable that Rick doesn't want to force him in when we have a young team who thrives off of being the underdogs, not having a super star on the team, breaking all expectations, etc. This team loves having that pressure, that load on their shoulders, they don't want T-Mac to take it away from them, like any star would.

Do I think TMac would fit in if given a proper shot? That doesn't matter anymore. The question is - how will the team, or WILL the team, adjust to Yao's return next year? Yao can't run with these boys, especially after another surgery. Are we going to slow the game down and adjust to Yao? Or will we make Yao adjust to the 'team' that Adelman keeps preaching about? Is anyone else concerned about this? Is this the first time to trade Yao and move on without him, with a more athletic big, or will it be time to establish our offense around a low post threat? Only time will tell.

[MaxRider]

it's all up to Adelman BSing

[Rendezvous]

Up to the Rockets organization

[grond]

let's see what sort of shape Yao comes back in first. I am not particularly hopeful. Tho' I hope I am proved wrong.

[Alex_De_Large]

he does not fit into the current team, fact is we play better without him, he is very talented and most of the teams in the league could use him and make a good team right into a contender team, but not houston case.
trade him,

[Guy986]

If Yao doesn't start from day 1 when he proves to be healthy, i'll be VERY VERY shocked.

[Teckon]

Serious question - TMac is arguably our most talented played. Obviously he has dropped off a lot, and would need an adjustment period, but he is still a proven top talent in this league. The Rockets aren't willing to give him that shot because the team plays differently now. We play a much faster pace, much more team-oriented game.

It's understandable that he doesn't fit in anymore - he has typically controlled the entire pace of the game, which we have now turned over to our young point guards. It's understandable that Rick doesn't want to force him in when we have a young team who thrives off of being the underdogs, not having a super star on the team, breaking all expectations, etc. This team loves having that pressure, that load on their shoulders, they don't want T-Mac to take it away from them, like any star would.

Do I think TMac would fit in if given a proper shot? That doesn't matter anymore. The question is - how will the team, or WILL the team, adjust to Yao's return next year? Yao can't run with these boys, especially after another surgery. Are we going to slow the game down and adjust to Yao? Or will we make Yao adjust to the 'team' that Adelman keeps preaching about? Is anyone else concerned about this? Is this the first time to trade Yao and move on without him, with a more athletic big, or will it be time to establish our offense around a low post threat? Only time will tell.

TMac wants to play this season when Rockets had already achieved some success with the current style. Adelman sees TMac need the offense to go through him and let him create offense for his teammates while the current Rocket style is to share the ball and keep the ball moving. Adelman believes the current TMac is not the same TMac 2 years ago and TMac is not ready to play the current Rockets style of play.

Yao's situation is very different from TMac.

When Yao is ready to play, it will probably be next season and highly possible with some roster changes in the off season. The whole team would need to go through the training camp to retool the team chemistry to include the new player and not just Yao. Rockets next season may not necessary play the same way as Rocket this season.

[Baller 24]

He'll only fit until he learns to play in the high post, if not...this beautiful offense which we are witnessing that involves freelance ball movement with fluidity will be destroyed and we will use Yao once again as a go to guy every single play. Which is not a good idea at all, he doesn't always pull through when you need him, and especially after his surgery, I doubt he's ever going to be a franchise player again.

[spolgar]

The thing with Yao is he is at best a 32 minute player at this stage in his career. He's on the Arydas Sabonis track at 25-32 minute a night anyway. When he plays, we have good passers to get him the ball. Brooks is an upgrade as a spot up shooter to Alston, Scola/Landry both have midrange game, Ariza and Battier have range to spread the floor as well. And that's not including whoever we get back from Tmac's expiring contract.

We'll be fine, with or without Yao, but it would be a joy to see him back in a Rockets Uniform.

[syj805]

Good questions. I think Morey said some time ago that Yao is still part of the Rockets' future and they'll do what's necessary to incorporate the big guy even if it means going back to a half-court game. The concern now is whether he'll ever be healthy, or whether he'll re-injure himself again. At this point, I'm sure the Rockets are ready to end the Yao era is that was the case. When Yao said that he 'might' be fully ready next season, that wasn't a very optimistic appraisal. So, cut your losses and move on. The T-Mac era has already ended. I'm sure you guys won't fall for any garbage contracts from the Knicks if they indeed inquire about a trade.