USA Today wrote:Rockets' Yao grows better
By David DuPree, USA TODAY
Yao Ming is stronger, more mobile, in better condition and has more moves than ever. That translates into bad news for the rest of the NBA as the 7-6 Houston Rockets center, who now speaks fluent English, also has a fluent game.
"Despite what people say about wanting more, Yao is a very good player and I don't understand the criticism he gets," said Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy. "He has made steady progress. Does he have greatness in him of Shaquille O'Neal? Time will tell. But he doesn't have to apologize for being a very good player in this league and doing something that no man of his size has done, which is to be something other than a specialist."
Yao's scoring and shooting have improved in each of his first three seasons to 18.3 points a game and 55.2% last season. Early indications are this season will be even better.
Going into Thursday's preseason game, Yao is averaging 19.4 points in 26.6 minutes a game. He is showing a variety of new moves inside. In addition to making 51.6% of his shots, he gets to the free throw line seven times a game. He got there only 6.2 times in 30.6 minutes a game last season.
"I still need some improvements offensively and defensively," Yao said. "But I feel I'm more physical on the post and inside. In the games I played, I drew a lot of fouls and got to the free throw line. That's my game. ... I just feel comfortable."
Yao had surgery after last season to remove a bone spur from his foot and had more down time this offseason than ever. He rehabilitated in Houston instead of going to China to rejoin his national team as he usually does. He did play for China in the Asian championships, but he had less of a time commitment than before.
He spent the offseason working out with assistant coach Tom Thibodeau and a strength coach.
"Yao is very strong, that hasn't been the problem," Van Gundy said. "Conditioning, mobility and balance have been, and he's making improvements in those areas. No one talks about a 7-6 guy running the floor well, but he does.
"In his first year, he looked like he was on a downhill slope on offense, but on defense it was like a 50-degree incline. Even though he still fouls, his help is earlier, his pick-and-roll coverages are better."
Rockets star Tracy McGrady is impressed with what he has seen from his fellow All-Star.
"He's looking good. He's staying strong and holding his position," McGrady said. "That's our best offense, getting the ball to him and going inside-out or me and him playing pick-and-roll."
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