Yao Ming

[verticalhops]

Hi Rockets fans,

I was wondering what the general board feeling was on what they expect Yao to be like when he returns?? I realise the feeling about McGrady, but what about Yao, do you expect him to return to his dominant best and put up 25ppg and 10 boards once he finds his feet? Discuss

[Moreyball]

I expect him to be atleast a 20-10 kinda guy on average once he shakes off the rust.

[endlessraine]

Would you guys do an AB, Maggette,Monta for Yao Ming+ future 2nd?

[Teckon]

I see Yao Ming as untouchable unless he want to leave Rockets. His value is beyond his performance on the court and Iike Moreyball, I expect him to be a 20-10 guy - still a top 5 center in the current era.

[Mr. E]

What Teckon said.

I don't think that many people realize just how important Yao is to Les Alexander. Unless Yao wants to leave he is not going anywhere.

[endlessraine]

I figured. just watched some of his clips, dude can do stuffs not a lot of big men can.. plus, he's chinese, a very very valuable a$$et if he's in the Bay Area.

[clutchlandry]

I think if Yao could be healthy and make a good recovery he will be like the 2009 Yao.

[TMU]

I certainly hope he'll be the 20-10 guy this team can rely on. But I also wonder, how much more stress can his body take? I won't be too disappointed if he's no longer the same player he once was. I'm just grateful for who he is (a loyal, hardworking athlete with great skills), and for what he did for society. Anything after this point is a huge plus, especially if he could come back healthy and still put up great numbers.

[Mr. E]

I'm hoping for 15/7 from Yao next season.

I say that because I'm thinking they'll try to minimize his minutes for most of the regular season.

[Iggyemu]

Only one time in his career was he a 20/10. Every other time he was a rebound shy or a point shy. Yes pulling hairs but someone from the outside looking in would think we actually expect Yao to get better after another serious leg injury. I know you guys are trying to say he'll maintain his output from seasons past.

Thats just not a realistic expectation. I think he'll be even slower on defense and he'll pick up more fouls as a result. I think his offensive game will be fine because he is mostly a fade-way, jump hook guy and doesn't rely on footwork to get his shot..he relies on height and post position. But with his minutes being limited due to more foul trouble and the Rockets trying to ease him back will limit his scoring. He was never that great a rebounder but he'll take up enough space to allow other guys to rebound.

I understand he is very important to Alexander...I just think you guys overestimate how much. I don't think its enough to pay him the max contract he could ask for in the 2011 summer that will without a doubt render this team mediocre for the remaining years. If he does ask for something reasonable he'll finish his career in Houston.

I think some of you need to come to terms with the fact that he will not be a franchise center. He will not be the savior of this team. His body just won't allow it.

[TMACFORMVP]

Yeah, offensively, Yao is all about getting position. If he gets the ball, in places he like, a combination of our guards getting him the ball, but moreso, him trying to effectively fight the front, Yao, pre-surgery, or post-surgery will have the touch to score in the post. He'll still be a good FT shooter, and will likely be one of the top centers because of the lack of competition.

What I worry about is his stamina and speed. We've seen how much fronting literally takes him out of the game. With a reduction in his speed, that task will be even harder. If that's the case, then Yao would probably have to adjust his game more to the high post, something he's shown he's not too comfortable with. But if he can do that, as he DOES possess the skill set, then Yao will still be a very effective NBA player.

But he has to remain healthy, that's the biggest thing. He's missed 89 games prior to coming into this season since 04-05. And that's not including him missing the playoff games against the Lakers, or Jazz etc. You count that, and that's 10 more games, and 82 more this season, that's 181 games missed the past five seasons. That's the main concern, he's been the most injury prone star player the past half decade, and McGrady is right there with him.

But yeah, I'm not all so worried about what Yao will produce. Ultimately his skill set would make him a productive player, but if it's he can remain healthy, something he's proved he cannot do, and is now coming off his most extensive surgery.