Yao Ming: Overrated or Unfairly Criticized? Will he leave?

[John-John Joe]

We've all heard the rumblings lately, he's not aggressive enough. He's too weak. He'll never be a great player. He should be much more dominant for his height. He should be blocking way more shots.

This season people have seemed to fall out of love with Yao, read the following take from Bill Simmons of ESPN's Page 2 and give some feedback.

I spent most of the game bemoaning the demise of Yao Ming, who played 30 minutes, notched 10 points and 8 rebounds, turned the ball over six times and ended up fouling out. It's not like Yao was going against Hakeem in his prime here -- the Clips checked him with Chris Wilcox (young power forward playing out of position), Zeljko Rebraca (brittle foreigner with no discernible skills) and Mikki Moore (six teams in the last four years). So what happened to this guy? Wasn't he supposed to become the Chinese Bill Walton?


On "NBA Fast Break" last week, Legler, Anthony and Stephen A. discussed Yao's relative funk -- statistically, he isn't any better than last season, which makes no sense -- and collectively decided that Yao wasn't aggressive enough to become a dominant center. Stephen A. also pointed the finger at Jeff Van Gundy, staring into the camera like an assassin, then screaming, "JEFF VAN GUNDY DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO COACH OFFENSE!" And yes, both of those points are part of the problem. During that Clippers game, the Rockets pounded the ball down low like Yao was Zydrunas Ilguaskas, only he's not that type of player -- shove him around and he'll eventually settle for fall-aways and jump hooks. Which he did. I'm not sure how having a 7-foot-6 guy falling away from the basket helps anybody except the other team.


Still, I blame the Rockets for surrounding him with the wrong players. In three seasons, they haven't had a single point who could throw Yao an entry pass, plus they haven't had a single shooter who could consistently make threes (and prevent teams from collapsing on Yao). This current team features the worst point guards in the league (although Bobby Sura just came back); three undersized rebounders (none of whom would ever be confused with Maurice Lucas); and only one reliable shooter (T-Mac, who thrives with one-on-one stuff). I like T-Mac, but he isn't a sophisticated enough offensive player to play with someone like Yao. None of these guys are. It's a shame. It's like watching one of the guys from Phish playing in Ashlee Simpson's band.


In a perfect world, Yao would be playing on the high post like Walton did, finding cutters (he's an exceptional passer, although you would never know on this team) and draining open 15-footers. Just look at the way Sacramento uses Brad Miller right now. In fact, if you switched Yao with Brad Miller tomorrow, Yao's career would take off and we wouldn't even be having this discussion. I'm just worried that he's starting to get discouraged -- not only is Yao losing confidence, but guys are going out of their way to dunk on him now. In 18 games, he only has 22 blocks and 149 rebounds. The guy is 7-foot-6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After watching Yao's body language during that Clippers game, I would be astounded if he's still playing for the Rockets in three years.

[Ataraxia]

he may leave to the Lakers....but Idont think he has to be more aggresive.

You cant make him a Shaq or Hakeem.....you have to work with what he has and thats his calm mentality...try make his all around game stronger(shooting, boarding and passing at least) instead of making him have a thinking style of "Im gonna beat your ass".
I mean you dont have to be a "Get out of my way brat" to become a superstar....u just have to have the drive to win, I mean you dont see Lebron (not a good comparison cause of diff spots) shouting at people and saying "Get outta my face you ..... ".

I think Yao might actually do better in the East, theirs less physicality there ...it'll suit his game more...I think the Knicks are going after him aswell rite??

I really dont like Billy Simmons, he just annoys me with the stuff he says....Id like to see him try play a game and see how easy it is to score 20-10-5 a night. Stupid critics, all they got is hate in their heart...

Although here he hasnt fully dissed out Yao...but some of his other articles are just sickenin to read.

[Matthew]

I wouldn't be shocked if Yao went back to china. The bottom line with Yao, is he is an overhyped Rik Smits. He has had some flashes of brilliance, playing well against shaq, but theres too many times when he just doesnt get into the right spots on the court. He needs to get some of the shaq pride into him, and not let players like Chris Wilcox bump him out of position.

Still, I blame the Rockets for surrounding him with the wrong players.

This and the system is totally wrong for their players. Tmac is that good with the ball that you have get him in iso's and dominate. This is why I didnt think or like the trade for Mcgrady, becuase now the rockets have to play a system to suit one or the other. Both cant thrive under the same offensive system, they are just too different.

These are some big ifs, but if yao starts to really establish his position in the post, and if yao starts to bury that fadeaway in the lane similar to how shaq hits that spinning baseline hook, Yao could be a very good player. The NBA game requires mental strength. Look at Isiah, Jordan, Bird... magic as well, those guys always had a mental edge on their opponent. They felt they were the best, and as much of this is an ego, its effective. Yao needs the same thing. He doesnt need lots and lots of cuddles and wuv, he needs to toughen up and dominate if he wants to dominate. Even look at tim duncan, as much of a nice guy as he is, he still pushes and bumps and bangs in the paint. The jury is out on yao.. it'll be interested to see how he responds.

[idiot]

the thing is... he grew up in asia, he's not open about things/himself, he's taught to shut up, listen and have a ridiculous amount of respect for peers and elders (to the point where shutup comes back in)....

but he did speak out against his team/country during the olympics though....

best of luck yao

[Amphatoast]

so if the rockets aren't a good fit, what team would yao fit on good? sacramento? seattle? ( they have 3s!)

[John-John Joe]

so if the rockets aren't a good fit, what team would yao fit on good? sacramento? seattle? ( they have 3s!)

I think both of those teams you named would be a great fit for Yao. Good stuff.

[The GOAT]

I'd like him over here on the Knicks, not gonna happen tho

Amphatoast, I think it's time to get rid of the sig, FC's long gone.

[Andrew]

Like Matthew, I don't believe the T-Mac trade has really helped matters. As quite a few of us opined when the trade was in the works then eventually happened, it was an odd decision given the move they were trying to make. Concerned that Francis and Mobley were taking shots away from Yao, the Rockets replaced them both with one player who takes just about as many shots as the two of them combined. And while you're at it, why not grab Earl Boykins to improve your shotblocking and Brendan Haywood to give you a threat from downtown?

Not to take anything away from T-Mac, the very least you can say about him is that he knows how to score and in the right situation he's a valuable part of a playoff team. In theory, Yao and T-Mac could be the next great inside-outside duo: should the defense collapse on Yao, he can pass out to an open T-Mac who can then do what he does best. T-Mac can shoot from the perimeter or take it to the hoop; should the defense collapse on him, he can whip it to Yao who should be near the hoop for an easy dunk or layup. In practice, it hasn't worked out when it comes to winning games.

Is Yao overrated or unjustly criticised? I think this is another situation where the truth lies somewhere in the middle. At any given time, he can be at the either end of the scale. He can block three of Shaq's shots or stride into the lane for a dunk. But he's also prone to missing easy layups or getting dunked on; he really should get more blocks and assists. He lives up to both descriptions throughout the season.

From what I've seen, I think he's easily one of the best players over 7'2". Granted, stiff competition takes on a different meaning when we're talking about plays such as Priest Lauderdale and co, but with so many of these tall players being nothing more than tall players it's nice to see what he can do. He unquestionably has skills and does seem to know how to utilise his natural advantage at the offensive end, but doesn't (or cannot) do so consistently.

[John-John Joe]

.........while you're at it, why not grab Earl Boykins to improve your shotblocking and Brendan Haywood to give you a threat from downtown?

[-BHZMAFIA-]

I knew people was overrating Yao as soon as he came in the league. I mean the guy was an all-star in all of his seasons in the NBA and his numbers didn't show. Everybody thought since the Rockets got Tmac, that they were going to be real good. Tmac was good, but Yao isn't Shaq yet...Yao has more years to become dominate that's if he ever becomes dominate. This is one thing that I can say I was right about from the start.

[Donatello]

he is overrated AND unfairly criticized

[EGarrett]

Yao's a smart guy, though.

I think he's still learning how to put it together. Once they get the right role players, figure out the offense and integrate Yao and T-Mac together, I think he'll take off.

They need shooters and stoppers. Somebody like Bruce Bowen would be perfect for them right now. Plays defense, hits the open three, etc.

And I still support the T-Mac trade. McGrady just wants to win. He's had his share of individual glory. When they need him to pass, he'll do it.

[michael15675]

I hate y'all who diss Yao so much, but not pointing out his good sides. Sure, he's got a lot of areas where he needs to make improvements on, such as boxing out and blocking shots, but you can't just send him packing home just because he still hasn't fully adjusted to the rigorous NBA system where people FIGHT over rebounds.

You want someone to blame? How about blaming the Chinese basketball association for not making their players stronger instead of blaming Van Gundy. Jeff is used to working with greats like Patrick Ewing, so he isn't used to dealing with his star center being less built and less aggressive.

And for all y'all who is mouthing off saying how Yao is so over-rated and a let-down, the fans are the ones that fuel that hype about Yao's arrival. When Yao was just drafted, there were millions of articals online and on forums, saying how he's gonna be great. Well, the people that wrote those articals could have been ignorant fools that didn't have any facts, intead, they were just trying to be part of something big. Some of those guys might've even been one of you!

"the thing is... he grew up in asia, he's not open about things/himself, he's taught to shut up, listen and have a ridiculous amount of respect for peers and elders (to the point where shutup comes back in)...."

Man, whoever wrote this, which century are you from?! You are making Yao seem like some dim-witted fool that can't express his own opinions. Also, you are making the whole asian continent seem like one huge craphole from a George Orwell novel. And FINALLY, you are making Communism seem like hell. Seriously man, are you racist?

Look, I know I might get banned from the forum for saying all that stuff up there. But that's how I feel about you guys who talk a lot, but mean very little. I just wish you would have more faith in Yao, instead of making that judgement now like "he will never be great....".

[Donatello]

calm down there, spanky.

you aren't yao, nor are you his mommy, you can tell the future just as well as the rest of us.

[idiot]

Man, whoever wrote this, which century are you from?! You are making Yao seem like some dim-witted fool that can't express his own opinions. Also, you are making the whole asian continent seem like one huge craphole from a George Orwell novel. And FINALLY, you are making Communism seem like hell. Seriously man, are you racist?

The Chinese officials blamed the United States for corrupting Yao and giving him American personality habits, according to the Globe and Mail. When he first went to the NBA two years ago, he was "an obedient child" with a "very good reputation," one official said. "Now, he has changed, he's more like an American, he dares to say anything."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5764730/


I'm racist?

[John-John Joe]

"the thing is... he grew up in asia, he's not open about things/himself, he's taught to shut up, listen and have a ridiculous amount of respect for peers and elders (to the point where shutup comes back in)...."

Man, whoever wrote this, which century are you from?! You are making Yao seem like some dim-witted fool that can't express his own opinions. Also, you are making the whole asian continent seem like one huge craphole from a George Orwell novel. And FINALLY, you are making Communism seem like hell. Seriously man, are you racist?

Look, I know I might get banned from the forum for saying all that stuff up there. But that's how I feel about you guys who talk a lot, but mean very little. I just wish you would have more faith in Yao, instead of making that judgement now like "he will never be great....".

Mike, Mike, Mike, you're making some intelligent points and analysis here but it's getting lost because the post sounds like a rant. Cambyman, the author of those comments you eluded to wasn't saying anything derogatory about asians or the asian culture. Why would you question if he's racist based on those remarks?

Fact is, he's looking at the situation from all different angles. Yao is somewhat passive and yes there might be a direct correlation between that and the Chinese culture. Or not, but damn man, you sound very accusatory and angry right now. Am I to assume that you're a huge Yao fan or something? Are you asian? I'm not admonishing you nor am I trying to make fun of you, I'm trying to figure out the source of your obvious outrage.

[Matthew]

Have a kleenex Michael

I hate y'all who diss Yao so much, but not pointing out his good sides. Sure, he's got a lot of areas where he needs to make improvements on, such as boxing out and blocking shots, but you can't just send him packing home just because he still hasn't fully adjusted to the rigorous NBA system where people FIGHT over rebounds.

Nobody is "packing him up and sending him home". I said i wouldnt be suprised if he left after his rookie contract expired. "Rigorous nba system where people fight over rebounds" Hahah thats so stupid, of course people fight over rebounds. But players adjust, whether they are from Germany (dirk), high school (amare) or college (emeka). Yao has got to toughen up like these players have. simple.

You want someone to blame? How about blaming the Chinese basketball association for not making their players stronger instead of blaming Van Gundy. Jeff is used to working with greats like Patrick Ewing, so he isn't used to dealing with his star center being less built and less aggressive.

No, how about not. The chinese are not at fault. You said it yourself, Yao Ming is not Patrick Ewing, so he shouldnt be in the same role. You have to put your players in roles that will help them play their best and also give your team the best chance to win. Making the offense run through yao obviously isnt working.

And for all y'all who is mouthing off saying how Yao is so over-rated and a let-down, the fans are the ones that fuel that hype about Yao's arrival. When Yao was just drafted, there were millions of articals online and on forums, saying how he's gonna be great. Well, the people that wrote those articals could have been ignorant fools that didn't have any facts, intead, they were just trying to be part of something big. Some of those guys might've even been one of you!

I never hopped on the yao bandwagon. I thought Jay Williams was the best player out of that draft... but thats for another topic. Yao might one day become great if he gets some pride and ego into him. If he doesnt, he'll remain the 21st century rik smits.

Look, I know I might get banned from the forum for saying all that stuff up there. But that's how I feel about you guys who talk a lot, but mean very little. I just wish you would have more faith in Yao, instead of making that judgement now like "he will never be great....".

What has there been? The good games against shaq.. and thats it. He has done nothing to convince me he'll turn into a great player, and its an absolute joke that JVG continues to run the offense through him rather than tmac, considering how much better and more effectice tmac is.

[air gordon]

as others have mentioned, it's a mix of both being overrated and unfairly criticized

suggestions to fix the problem:

1 do not make him the #1 option in the offense. he's not ready yet for that burden yet.

2 get rid of that 'nyk' system. meaning van gundy needs to scrap his system which was more suited to the those bruising but less talented knicks teams

3 surround him with players that better utilitize his strengths. or least something other then pf's who can't defend and score unless they are isolated on the block.... get playmaking pg's who can hit an outside shot consistently

4 secretly clone or switch bodies with another player of similar height. being 7'6 with some skills, much is expected of him, even if he's only ~24. but he also carries the burden of not letting the chinese government & people down. this is pretty serious when you think about it. that's a lot pressure. also there wouldn't be as much hype if he was an american born player