Report: Yao Ming Will Retire After Nine Seasons
by Tom Martin on Jul 8, 2011 2:11 PM CDT
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Houston Rockets center and global basketball icon Yao Ming will retire from professional basketball. This, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski:
Yao played just five games last season, and hasn't been able to fully recover after having surgery in January to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. The veteran center informed the Rockets, the league office in New York and NBA China of his decision to leave the game within the past 48 hours, sources said.
[Follow the SB Nation StoryStream on Yao's retirement here]
This announcement comes as no surprise to those of us who remember Yao's comments from a year ago, when he noted that if he ever had to go into an extensive recovery period without achieving full results, he'd just as soon leave the game and save the time and energy. Though it's a somber, anticlimactic ending to a spectacular career, it's the right call for Yao. The foot, it appears, never healed as it should have.
Be happy that Yao retired a Rocket, if only because he wanted to retire a Rocket. Regardless of whether or not we believe the Rockets could have benefitted from trading Yao last season, having gone through the Hakeem Olajuwon situation with Toronto, I'm glad to say that this is an ending free of bitterness.
Looking for a positive from The Ming Dynasty's end? It allows Houston to move into a new era of Rockets basketball. There no longer exists the Yao Ming crutch, on which Daryl Morey could lean when he fell short in his pursuit of a center. That crutch has finally snapped, and now it's up to Morey to find a true replacement.
Sadly, most of the talk surrounding Yao's retirement will include "what could have been." I'm not so inclined to bypass his achievements as if they are null and void. Yao changed the game of basketball off the court and dominated opponents on it. Think about it: when Houston selected the Great Wall back in 2002, I don't remember many people predicting that the 7-foot-6 softy would quickly develop into an absolute monster and eventually become the best center of his era.
That's right, Charles Barkley. Kiss my ass: Yao Ming was the best, Dwight Howard included.
(Actually, regarding Howard, it wasn't even close when the two went head-to-head. These stats are just mind-boggling.)
The Dream Shake will have more thoughts and opinions on Yao's retirement in the coming days. For now, though, you can enjoy this clip of Yao back in his prime. Among all of the video options, I chose this, the single most badass moment of Yao's career that I can recall.
Thanks, big guy.
UPDATE: Former running mate Tracy McGrady -- who has since changed his Twitter avatar to a picture of Yao -- chimes in on the announcement:
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Sad day, we will all miss him greatly!
Maybe one day he can own an NBA team…forget the Shanghai Sharks!
So disappointed
Not in Yao, he became more than just about anybody thought he would. I’m disappointed for him. Such a good person and hard worker. He will be a Rockets mainstay in the community and abroad for as long as he wants to be. And I can live with that.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
I guess I was in denial, somehow holding out hope that Yao would come back
Because I’m terribly disappointed to hear the news. He was a classy player, hard worker, and great ambassador to expand the game internationally, but none of that really mattered to me, compared to watching him on the court. When he was on top of his game, he was a dominant offensive force and a joy to watch, a once in a lifetime player, which Rocket fans were lucky to have on two occasions with Hakeem and Yao.
But frankly, it’s a fitting end to a disappointing era. I still don’t understand how two transcendent players like Yao and TMac could barely get out of the 1st round. Bad luck, I suppose, had as much to do with that as anything else, just like it was bad luck for a mega-talent like Yao to be cursed with a couple bad wheels. Or cursed with a sense of duty for his national team. Or cursed to not have Phoenix’s miracle medical staff. Or cursed to not have a coach with the sense to pull his 7’6" franchise center in the 4th Q of a blowout. Curses!
But maybe it’s better this way. A return to the hopelessness of the Stevie Franchise era, when dreams of a championship were a lottery win away.
Hope is a dangerous thing. Drive a man insane. It’s got no place here. Better get used to the idea of Chuck Hayes starting at center again next year.
by Moochie's Fro on Jul 8, 2011 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
"THE GREAT WALL"
He will be missed good luck to him & his fam.. Does this mean the Rockets have some spending money??
I knew it had to happen eventually
But I’m still devastated. One of the coolest guys ever. I’ll have to watch Year of the Yao for the 100th time tonight, probably tearing up the whole time. I’ll have my thoughts up eventually.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
Salute the big guy.
As much as I got angry with him, I couldn’t ask for a better personality to grace this team. What a great fanbase we have developed in China. Thanks for everything Yao!
If you're a fan of basketball, watch a movie called Sonicsgate. It's free, just google it.
2011 Vancouver Canucks - The closest feeling to winning I've ever had.
Sort of a bittersweet feeling...
like you guys have said, as great as he was a player, he was a better person. Great work ethic, great humanitarian, at times was larger than life. He will be missed and we all knew it was coming. However, it’s time for a new chapter of Rockets basketball. Also, good to see T-Mac showing some love.
Welcome to Houston Kevin McHale. Just remember "It was Minnesota" is no longer an excuse.
ive seen that video a million times
it always reminds me of the great times he had and how great he was in his prime, and an even better person off the court…Yao has done alot for the Rockets….
My greatest memory will always be his last "real" game with the Rockets.
The one in the playoffs against the Lakers, where he breaks his foot, goes into the hallway and leans against the wall while grimacing, and comes out to close the game up. Never thought that would be the end.
If you're a fan of basketball, watch a movie called Sonicsgate. It's free, just google it.
2011 Vancouver Canucks - The closest feeling to winning I've ever had.
I thought that was when he tweaked his knee a bit.
That was game 1 I think. Game 2 he broke his foot and was limping. And finally they took him out the game for good. He didn’t finish that game. Or maybe my memory is fuzzy
Great player
Great Person. Always a competitor and basically everything you could want in a player…
Health is Health and nothing he could do about it.
Guy had a great career and even you could think he doesnt deserve to be in the hall for his talent(which isnt true)
he definately deserves to be in for his contributions for the game.
"Slammed that hoe on the counter like I just got 35 on the domino table!!"
Sherrod Harris
Will always love Yao!
Sad that he had to leave this early, but growing up watching him was great! He is a tremendous player and ambassador to the game! He will be missed dearly!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 8, 2011 2:40 PM CDT reply actions
Great Person
I wish him the best of success in life. I am happy that he is not going to hold this team hostage when I think many others would have. Take care Yao I will miss the old days, I wish those days had continued especially in the last few years with the teams Morey has assembled.
Game Thread Extraordinaire
No Brainer Hall of Fame for me...
I’m not even going to debate it, its just the way I feel.
I hope he sticks around in Houston. He’s one of the most well liked guys in the city, and I don’t see that ever changing.
"The French Army: Better defender than David Lee" - JE Skeets, in response to David Lee getting a vote for Defensive Player of the Year.
What a Stand up Guy!
The most well rounded team player you could ever want on your team! Thanks for all you have done and will continue to do….big guy!
Hall of fame? Yes
Is his retirement good for the Rockets long term? Yes
Will his contract be missed? No
Me against the world is a mismatch in my favor.
I got in a pretty heated argument
with this myopic douche at a BWW who started whining about the Rockets not getting value out of Yao because of injuries, he was a bust, blah blah……whereupon I attempted to explain the economic value of being the most visible NBA commodity in an emerging economy fueled by a country with a billion people in it. I walked away when I realized he was too stupid to get it, and frustration was about to cause me to launch a perfectly good Dos Equis at him.
I truly hope he stays in Houston and stays involved with the team. Good Luck big fella….and thanks for everything.
"The best thing about being a cynic......is that you are never surprised." ~Anonymous
"Don't get yourself a bunch of tricky plays.......get yourself a bunch of tricky players." `Paul "Bear" Bryant
Only one argument Tom
I think the fast break behind the back leading to a dunk against Portland is my favorite video. Plugged “Yao Ming behind the back” into the search box and watched it 5 or 6 times, classic!
That play was awesome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2cvNc8r1G0
But there is no better clip than that trash talking of Kaman
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
In the words of John Starks
“Did this dude just did this?”
The BANHAMMER delivers the real justice
That's just turrible
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence
Bill, Bull and Clyde will be taking their talents to South Texas
There are better clips, but this is my personal favorite.
DON’T QUESTION ME.
The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
You would never get an honest answer,
but I wonder who got the most grief in the locker room after the game? Kaman had to hear about it, but the Portland player who whiffs on the steal when Yao goes behind his back had to get some shit too.
Ha, definitely the Portland player.
Much more noticeable if you ask me.
The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
Arvydas Sabonis
is the reason that Yao is absolutely a lock for the HOF and there shouldn’t even be a discussion about it.
I'll miss the big fella for all his years of service and for helping me reconnect with my love of the Rockets.
He impacted the game as only he could, and in a major way. I’ll miss him. I even shed a tear for him, honestly. I feel like there’s a few things in your life so momentous that you’ll never forget where you were when you got the news, I was picking up my water bottle after playing a game of 33 with a law school buddy and a few random pick ups. We broke, everyone said some kind words, then we started teams playing to 11.
Lock for the HOF, no one impacted the game the way he did or combined his size with his skill. He got Houston over the hump (finally) into the second round and most basketball fans agree that the Rockets would have had a title if our 7’6" monster had stayed upright. His legacy will be a man whose heart and drive would never let him down but his body couldn’t make that same commitment.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
Is he a lock for the HOF?
Many people around the league view him as an injured big. I just don’t know if people’s conceptions of Yao include HOF greatness. Sure, we might believe that he should be in the HOF, but does everyone else around the nation believe that?
I dont think the HOF is all about stats though, they look at impact too though his stats
are pretty good. He really put the NBA on the map in China. The NBA is probably thanking him everyday for this.
by inquisitiveman on Jul 8, 2011 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I might want to add:
HOF= someone contributed significantly to the game of basketball in variety of ways and to make basketball a better sport .
by inquisitiveman on Jul 8, 2011 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Have you seen the HOF's these days?
They need to rename it Hall of Very Good.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
That's true, with Karl Malone and Pippen making it last year
So is TMac a HOFer? Keep in mind he was scoring champion twice
I think rings make a big difference. In Mcgrady's case, he was elite for a couple years but it broke down.
His impact fails to get near Yao’s level, mostly because of the international presence of Yao. I wouldn’t mind seeing him get consideration (And this is a guy who wasn’t a fan of his) but certainly not first ballot, maybe not even second or third. It would take a weak HOF class to get him in.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
I'll miss you, man.
Some great years. Truly the definition of what an athlete should be.
"You know how Einstein got bad grades as a kid? Well, mine are
even worse! " ~Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
by TheChuckwagonisrolling on Jul 8, 2011 4:30 PM CDT reply actions
For some reason, i still think Yao will reconsider in a few months...
am i in denial or do you think Yao is not completely done quite yet?
Yao's not the type to pull a Favre.
He decided he doesn’t need the money and he’s probably going to stick to that.
If you're a fan of basketball, watch a movie called Sonicsgate. It's free, just google it.
2011 Vancouver Canucks - The closest feeling to winning I've ever had.
he wants to be able to play with his children without pain in years to come
i dont think he’ll put the NBA infront of that.
Hey, I am planning on making a Yao Ming top ten plays
Sadly, I am taking a flight from Seattle to Houston tomorrow. I would appreciate if no one stole my thunder. I’ll have it in the fanposts by Sunday/Monday. Much appreciated everyone.
If you're a fan of basketball, watch a movie called Sonicsgate. It's free, just google it.
2011 Vancouver Canucks - The closest feeling to winning I've ever had.
You might want to touch base with Lee (UofTOrange)
He’s going to have one up on the Front Page next week. Perhaps you could collaborate, or spread it apart with different plays.
The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
Alright then.
If he’s already got one planned he can go right ahead. I can make a separate one later if I disagree with his picks.
If you're a fan of basketball, watch a movie called Sonicsgate. It's free, just google it.
2011 Vancouver Canucks - The closest feeling to winning I've ever had.
I figured this was coming
There was no good news coming out and he never sounded quite like he was making the progress he was hoping for. I enjoyed watching him play here. He was a class act. I still don’t get how people never realized that when healthy he was in fact the best center in the league. I wish him the best. I don’t feel like he should be in the HOF due to the injuries, but I wouldn’t feel upset if he made it in.
On another note, do you guys think they are going to retire his jersey?
by erod on Jul 8, 2011 5:06 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Very sad. I'm thinking a possible return in a year or so, if healthy
Hopefully he did this to allw the Rockets to move on, and so no other team signs him. He has expresse that he will only play for Houston, so, I hope he is still doing rehab and not closing the door completely.
Good luck Yao
And thanks for everything. Enjoy being retired, and a multi millionare at such a young age. And hopefully you stay involved with the rockets
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Love the head-to-head stats of Yao vs. Dwight
I think only Rockets fans and true basketball purists will see those stats and not be surprised by just how good Yao was when healthy and how overrated Dwight is.
When Yao was playing, he was THE best center in the league. Period. Yao just didn’t get the hype he deserved because he’s Asian, simple as that. It’s not because the media are racists. It’s because Asians still aren’t marketable to Americans unless they’re portraying a stereotype, e.g., martial arts, nerdy/asexual. His game and personality also wasn’t flashy enough for the mainstream audience. Yao didn’t become “the best center” by winning a dunk contest.
Being Chinese, it was obviously huge to see Yao reach the status he had in the NBA. A true class act and great ambassador for the sport. He’ll be missed.
Yao Ming
His stats and impact on the court and off the court are certainly HOF qualities.
I’m personally guilty of perceiving Yao as a big disappointment, overall, but when you look at the hard facts you do see his genuine impact and the fact that he really is the BEST. I come from the oldschool era, so unlike many I’ve read here, I was already a fan when we won our first two rings. There was a big void in the Houston Rockets organization post-Olajuwon, and there was a big noticeable void in the organization these past couple years without Yao. Yao probably would have had more notice if he had the cast surrounding him. We tried McGrady, which flopped due to T-Mac’s injuries, and also still lacking a solid surrounding cast.
To be honest, I believe if Yao Ming would have been healthy and back to full form, this past season ‘10-’11, that we probably could have been Championship material when comparing match ups on most teams.
He will be missed. Hopefully we can find someone to fill that void soon. It’s so tough to have been a fan this long and not winning a ring in almost 20 years. Time flies.
Xièxiè big man
good choice for your future well being
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Blazer fan here.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Yao seemed like a really cool guy. I wish him the best, and I wish your organization the best.
My favorite teams are the Blazers and any team that is playing the Lakers.
by OCBlazerFan1 on Jul 8, 2011 7:00 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
Appreciate it.
U guyz r d best. Srsly.
The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
Blazers fans...
once again, being awesome. Love ya’ll. Stay classy guys, it’s awesome I can say that and not be sarcastic.
"You know how Einstein got bad grades as a kid? Well, mine are
even worse! " ~Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
by TheChuckwagonisrolling on Jul 8, 2011 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully Oden gets healthy for you guys.
Big men are becoming extinct in the league. We don’t need any more absences.
Idk if you guys read the espn piece written by J.A. Adande...
or if you’ve heard it before but I love the last quote of the article.
Question: What kind of American music do you listen to?
Yao: I like the National Anthem. I listen to it at least 82 times a year.
by Optical Delusion on Jul 8, 2011 8:25 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Lol is that Yao or Obama?
The BANHAMMER delivers the real justice
That's just turrible
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence
Bill, Bull and Clyde will be taking their talents to South Texas
by joshsm07 on Jul 8, 2011 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yao Ming hall of fame
I can’t believe most of you guys think Yao Ming belongs in the hall of fame. Thank god the hall of fame votes isn’t based on popularity.
Surely Meadowlark Lemon contributed more to the NBA than Yao Ming.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
If Arvydas Sabonis can get in
Yao is a lock.
by Bobbythegreat on Jul 8, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Good point.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Twitter - xiane1
The Dreamshake
I can't believe you created an account solely to make that negative Nelly comment
Oh and by the way, it’s either “thank god the Hall of Fame vote isn’t based on popularity” or “thank god the Hall of Fame votes aren’t based on popularity.” Just thought you should know.
by Patrick Harrel on Jul 8, 2011 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions
There's really only one thing against Yao maybe not being a first balloter...
and that’s the fact that Shaq also retired this summer. But go to the numbers, albeit about 6 years out of 9, they do not lie. He was simply the best C in the league while the game transitioned to being more guard oriented. 19 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 bpg, 52% from the field and 83% from the line over his career. Forget about everything he’s done for the game, those numbers alone get him in. Get a clue.
Welcome to Houston Kevin McHale. Just remember "It was Minnesota" is no longer an excuse.
It's not based on popularity?
So what’s the excuse for Reggie Miller not getting in this year, then? Stringent analysis?
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Twitter - xiane1
The Dreamshake
We salute Yao for being a class act all the way.
By facing the inevitable, he refused to hold the Rockets “hostage” to another attempt at a comeback. His having a child and having business interests, I’m sure, also had something to his realization that there IS life after basketball.
I hope he continues to hang around HOU and impart his knowhow to the young bigs of HOU. And I hope that when we do have a new season, HOU pays him a tribute that will not be forgotten.
Thank you, Yao Ming, for giving your soul, heart, and body to the team. You showed that humility, dignity, and talent could go together. We were witness to greatness.
Even though he hasn't played recently....
I’m just starting to grasp how much I’ll miss him.
Other than his physical limitations (I know, I’m greedy to want to see a 7’5" guy that can run like a gazelle and jump like an undersized 2-guard that never made his team better), there was no better man to watch ply his trade. His sense of humor endeared him to even the least casual fans. His skill won over the most ardent critics of some guy from the Far East who no one knew anything about except he was very tall. His work ethic was all encompassing and his toughness/persistence are all we could ever ask for but never truly expect.
He’s a HOF’er. Personally, that is not a term I throw around lightly and it’s merely my opinion. He was the best player at his position for multiple seasons and did more for the globalization of the sport since the original Dream Team.
Drazen Petrovic is in the Hall and his career was much shorter than Yao's.
Like Petrovic, Yao has had a huge impact on the game globally. The HOF isn’t just merely for stats and chips, but for furthering the culture of basketball on a much bigger scale. Yao definitely deserves to be inducted for that.
Warriors fan here
I loved Yao Ming! I still do… Truly humble and genuine man, unlike some athletes (Lebron…). Will definitely miss seeing him play. I wish nothing but the best for the Rockets and to you fans.
PS: Please take Andris Biedrins from us.
This sucks
I hate that he always had to go to China to play during the summer. The Olympics and world championships were one thing, but going back for regional tournaments like the Asia championships were a bit much.
He got I think he had one off season where he did not have to play basketball in China during the off season. He was a great player with a ton of skill so it is sad for him not reach his full potential by having a better career.
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Can the Rockets
get a new color scheme goin on now. There is no need for the Communist Red or “Rocket Red” as its been called. There is no need for them to keep ,what looks like in my opinion, a more or less chinese theme. Can we take the Chinese writing off the goal post. This may be me, but I think the Rockets current scheme is chinese inspired seein as how they changed it after Yao’s first year and he was the #1 pick. After doin some digging I found out that the design for the new logo came from a man named Eiko Ishioka. And I think the name says it all. Can we please change to something new and completely move forward from the Yao ear?
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Jul 9, 2011 10:01 AM CDT reply actions
Well now... that was pretty racist...
Asian name, MUST BE CHINESE! The color red? The Hawks are communist/Chinese inspired too? They changed the theme because the logo we had looked like a handicapped 4th grader drew it. The one before that was red and yellow, we didn’t change much from the title years and this year color wise. The unis now are sleeker and nicer looking, made to be more in line with teams that have streamlined their logos, like the aforementioned Hawks.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
Yao is gonna be our next NBA commissioner....
and he says HELL NO!! RED RULES!!
by inquisitiveman on Jul 9, 2011 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Just because Yao is gone doesn't mean the Chinese fans will be as well
Oh and we’re not red because of China… The Rockets have had red jerseys basically from the start.
by Patrick Harrel on Jul 9, 2011 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
We were Red Long before
The only time we were not red and yellow was durring those horrid pinstripe pajama years.
Well then Asain inspired......EXCUSE ME
The “R” looks more like a missile than a rocket, it came around at the start of the Yao era, I believe we’re the only team with asain writing on our goal posts (which came along with the makeover) and an asain designer came up with the logo. I dont know where I got the idea that the rockets new theme was ASAIN inspired. I dont believe I said anything about keeping/losing the Chinese fans, dont know where that came from. Yes the Rockets were wearing red and yellow long ago, but what happened to the yellow? In regards to ATL they have been consistant in the color scheme and all the logo changes arent drastic overhauls. Theyr’re pretty much the same thing just tweeked. Im sorry for noticing an asain theme shortly after the Rockets draft a chinese player #1 overall. What am I thinking for wanting the orginization to change things up see’n as how they have no choice but to move on from the Yao era.
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Jul 9, 2011 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
The ignorance came when you assumed an Asian name was instantly Chinese and that a team whose primary color was historically red was pandering.
Also, welcome to basketball. The Rockets got huge investments from China when they drafted him. This might be shocking but when organizations sponsor teams, they want to see their name or logo somewhere, that’s called business.
As for a rocket versus missile, you’re basically arguing semantics. They’re both ballistic objects that use thrust propulsion to a conical object.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
My mistake in assuming with the name but
As you said and I quote
“The Rockets got huge investments from China when they drafted him. This might be shocking but when organizations sponsor teams, they want to see their name or logo somewhere, that’s called business.”
OK so from that Im taking Yao was the face targeted towards the asain market, yes? If Yao no longer plays for the Rockets who are they marketing towards the asain market now? With no prodominantly asain blood/race player why do you feel the Rockets should continue to use the color scheme that was pretty much centered around Yao and the asain market? Thats all I sayin. And BD, Im not new to basketball, despite what you may think and actually what I said has nothing to do with the game itself and how its played. If you had said “Welcome to business” then you might’ve had more ground there.
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Jul 9, 2011 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Basketball is a business, we're certainly not locked out because players are bad at the sport, are we? They're synonymous.
You’re instantly taking a simple statement “Some Chinese teams started buying into Rockets basketball” and injecting into that your asinine assumption that the Rocket’s colors (HISTORICALLY red) are centered around Chinese tastes. You need to divorce this subject because it just makes you look like you need to slap on a tin foil hat because it’s insane.
Yao helped broker major exposure of the NBA in China. A lot of fans will continue to be Rockets fans in China, as they will continue to be Lakers fans regardless of the fact that they drafted one Chinese guy last year who hasn’t played. You don’t need a connection to capitalize on the market, just exposure, history, or a marquee player of any race.
So to spell it out for you:
The Rockets are not designed to cater to China, they have worn red for nearly their entire history. Just because you started paying attention when Yao got drafted doesn’t mean the Rockets were a 2002 expansion addition to the league.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
Historically Red, true
but its the overdose of red at Toyota Center, you’ve been there, is somewhat overkill. Red goalpost, with Red constantly on the ticker between the bowls, red seats and the Red on the court. I should’ve worded my initial comment as “can we change the current scheme” I admit. And please, dont assume that you know when I started watchin the NBA/Rockets. You’re taking a couple of misworded comments, that Ive owned up to, and assuming that my knowledge of basketball is non-existant. You know what happens when you assume. Was I able to watch every Rockets game from the day I was born, NO because I grew up in Georgia, but that doesnt mean I wasnt payin attention. That doesnt mean I wasnt a fan until Yao got drafted. I was born in Texas, never wanted to leave, and as such have alligned myself with teams based in Texas. My questions to you are, Are you saying that Yao had NOTHING to do with the scheme change that took place in 2002-2003? Are you saying that the current scheme would be what it is now if the Rockets drafted ANYONE not of asain desent? How many asains (not in the US of course) were Rockets fans before the drafting of Yao? Are you 100% positive/sure/corrent in the answers to those questions? And basketball is a game, the NBA is a business. Anyone can play basketball, not everyone can be in the NBA. You are giving me the impression that you know the inner workings of the Rockets FO business operations, which I assume (we know what happens whe you assume) cant be true. And who are you to say that my assumptions are asinine and that I need to slap on a tin hat? You are not above me, or anybody for that matter. Does taking slanted jabs insinuating that Im insane/asinine make you’re case hold anymore ground? I dont know, but then again Im not some big city lawyer. Im just some dumb country boy from Georgia, correct?
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Jul 9, 2011 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Keep in mind every negative comment you made at the end was your machination, not mine.
The Rockets have emphasized get red and had found a bad reaction to their old design before taking the new look. The Toyota Center is a “newer” arena. You’re so concerned about Asian influence but you do realize that Toyota is a Japanese manufacturer too? I remember the Chrysanthemum flag of the Japanese in the 1940’s had red on white background, should we intimate that Toyota was behind the redesign?
You said you paid more attention when Yao was drafted, the assumption was based off that. You’re making something out of nothing based on latent racism, all I did was call you out on it.
And to clarify, I’m not “some big city lawyer”.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
Noticing, what I feel, is an asain theme
after Yao was drafted, is different from paying attention to the Rockets in general when Yao was drafted, correct? You never answered my questions.
Did Yao have anything to do with the new scheme?
Would the current scheme look the same if Yao wasnt drafted by Houston?
Are you 100% correct/sure/positive in the answers to the two previous questions?
For you to say that my opinions/thoughts towards the current scheme are incorrect, then prove it. The burden of proof is on YOU to prove that my opinions about the current scheme having to do with Yao are wrong. If you can do that with links to support your stance, then Ill admit to being wrong. If you cant/wont then its your opinion against mine and no one is right/wins. Just to cover some bases, Im not saying I am right that the Rockets based their current scheme around Yao. Im saying, TO ME, it seems asain inspired. My whole first post is opinion based, mixed with a little mis-wording. Where is the racism? China is still communist, correct? China’s national flag is still 90% red, correct? The Republic of China’s army flag is dominatly red isnt it? China’s flags throughout history have been dominantly red correct? Prove to me that my thinking that Yao had something to do with the Rockets going from pinstripes, to an overload of red and what I assume is chinese writing on the goal post. After they received that huge investment from China, that you mentioned earlier. You said “The Rockets got huge investments from China when they drafted him. This might be shocking but when organizations sponsor teams, they want to see their name or logo somewhere, that’s called business.” Does that sentence not go along with what Im saying? Can your next response answer the questions that I have posed to you before this paragraph? I never said you were a big city lawyer, I just said that I am not. Thats you assuming again.
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Jul 9, 2011 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions
First and foremost, the burden of proof is on the party making the allegation, which is you, and your support for that fact is terribly weak.
You tell me to answer insider questions with abundant certainty and shy of being Leslie Alexander that is impossible. You’re flying off the handle and posting some insane accusations and demands. I said the redesign was going to take place anyway because the old uniforms were revolting to the fanbase. When Yao got drafted they were entering a new era anyway and changed from the failed uniforms that Olajuwon ended his career in Houston playing in. There’s more to the question than just Yao’s drafting that brought about a change in the uniform. You’re pinning it all on one 7’6" Chinese man.
Your observation about China and the color red is true but you know what else is red? Lots of things. Are they all Chinese? If I wear my red Foo Fighters shirt tomorrow did I do it because I had Chinese food tonight? If I wear my Rockets hat tomorrow did I do it because I passed through Chinatown yesterday? If I cut my hand in the kitchen did my blood renounce American citizenship? The fact is Houston’s primary color for almost its entire history (a point you still seem unable to grasp) has been red. Yao had nothing to do with that unless prior to his birth his father contacted the Rockets organization and threatened to gun down the franchise if they didn’t go with red colors.
My sentence does not go along with what your saying in any way, shape, or form because my statement pertains to business sponsorship and advertising in limited capacity, not some organization wide conspiracy about the Chinese take over when they become our overlords.
I’m done with this back and forth because clearly you’re stuck on being a conspiracy theorist. I will kindly end with the fact that anyone with reading comprehension abilities understands what you meant when you said “I’m not a big city lawyer, I’m just a dumb country boy from Georgia, correct?” You were making a leading statement hoping I would insult you, I didn’t take the bait, and you’re equivocating it. I’m done here.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
I never said there was anything wrong with basing off Yao
If they want to create a scheme around the person you want to be the face of your franchise then who’s to say otherwise. And as you stated “the burden of proof is on the party making the accusation”. You are the one saying that my OPINION is wrong. If it is wrong than prove it. If you cannot than you are no more right than I am. Because we both, possibly, have the same amount of insider info than the other. Would Houston have gotten the investment from China if Yao wasnt drafted? Who knows? Arent the Rockets moving into a new era now? The whole squad that was put around Yao and TMac are almost gone, coach and all. Is rebuilding not shifting into a new era? Would it be a bad idea to change it up? I think changing it up sometime (1-2 years) after the lock out is ended would be a great move. And for you to think I made that statement “hoping for an insult” ,as you say, is a little off. I was not hoping for an insult, I merely made that statement because I know you hate when people go to that. Just you responding to it was enough for me. If you’re done, then Im done. I still think the scheme is asain inspired because of Yao. And I still would like to see a uni change to go along with the new era we are entering.
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Jul 9, 2011 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
I have no problems with Red
Maybe just a little less and change the font. Add a little yellow to it or something.
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Jul 9, 2011 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
BAHAHAHAHAHA...
Keep the red… If a billion Chinese continue to root for the Rockets and bring in revenue, allowing Les Alexander to overpay for someone like DeAndre Jordan or Marc Gasol, then I’m all for “keeping things Asian.”
The pinstriped uni was the worst in the NBA (except maybe the Raptors, which is an absurd mascot to begin with, unless it’s a bird instead of a dinosaur). And I had a yellow and red TMac retro jersey—the name on back, McGrady, with that color scheme, just reminded me too much of McDonalds (which may be ok, since McDonalds is American, but then Morey would have to find players of Irish decent and Mc-prefix sir-names to complete the look).
Maybe a red, white, and green Los Rockets uni?
by Moochie's Fro on Jul 9, 2011 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions
ugh?
Tecate specials with lime… Lots of Mexican and TexMex food offerings.. A mariachi band to introduce the players.. THAT WOULD BE AWESOME!!!
by Moochie's Fro on Jul 9, 2011 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions
YAO MING WILL TAKE OVER AS COMMISSIONER OF THE NBA
AFTER DAVID STERN GETS FIRED FOR THIS CBA DISASTER!! THAT’S RIGHT! YOU HEARD IT HERE!!!
Ok, i just got out of my "Ming denial" state...and back to reality
Does anyone think Yao will own an NBA team several years from now assuming the NBA is not in dire financial straits like Sterny says?
FOR SALE: NBA team, slightly used, flood damaged
If Yao Ming had that kind of coin just jingling around in his pockets with nothing to do, he could buy the Hornets and move them to Anaheim or Seattle. If you’re into the whole “buy-low, sell-high” idea, now would probably be a good time to buy. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a Far Eastern Prokhorov do such a thing.
by Moochie's Fro on Jul 9, 2011 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Now we really need to change the sidebar picture of the Great Wall and the Midget. Here is my suggestion:
"I still got this DREAM that you just can't SHAKE"- Blues Traveler
I'll make you eat those words...
"You know how Einstein got bad grades as a kid? Well, mine are
even worse! " ~Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
by TheChuckwagonisrolling on Jul 9, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I hope you do make me eat those words...cuz i want to be wrong...but
i think i will be right on this…
by inquisitiveman on Jul 9, 2011 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
no way, man!!!
As long as he’s not your starting Center, how can you not like the Chuckwagon? Not a lot of teams value the sabermetric-type intangibles that Chuck brings, so I don’t see anyone driving up his price.
Actually… now that I think about it Rich Cho may be able to talk MJ into pairing him with Bismack Biyombo. That may make sense.
by Moochie's Fro on Jul 9, 2011 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Do not post copyrighted non-open source on TDS.
Had to delete the comment of the article.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
Bye Yao
I’m gonna miss that guy…
"Maybe I’m old school," Nash said, "but I signed a contract to play here and I want to honor it. I feel like I owe it to my teammates and the city and everybody to keep battling until they tell me it’s time to go." STEVE (God of Basketball) NASH
if chris mullin can get into the HOF
then yao and t-mac are a lock to make it
by vancouver_grizzlies on Jul 10, 2011 2:18 AM CDT reply actions
grace and charecter have defined his career
So it is only fitting that he end his career that way. A truly dignified man, he carried himself honorrably and represented his team, his country and the city of houston with humility and immeasurabe dilliegence.
I wish him and his family all the best going forward.
As for the HOF nod, as he globalized the game of basketball more than any other single player in the history of the sport (save MJ) I think its a given.
And fuck it, I’m not changing my handle. May add a ‘4eva’ at the end if I get particularly drunk and nostalgic one night.
"Never underestimate the heart of a champion"- Rudy T, all up in that azz
by ShookednShanghaied11 on Jul 10, 2011 8:52 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Ambassador Yao Belongs in HOF
If Arvidas Sabonis is a HOF’er…YAO’s a no brainer selection. His accomplishments off the court have contributed even more to the game than his amazing performance on it. Yao put up great numbers for his career. If he had gotten half as many calls from the refs as Shaq did, he would’ve averaged 25 and 15 for his career and probably wouldn’t have been so injured. The poor guy got mugged every night! Good luck to the NBA trying to capture the imagination of Chinese fans now.
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