do work son
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almost teared up reading this as i took a stroll down memory lane. i wish yao well in all his future personal endeavors.Originally Posted by franchise3
*pours out a lil' liquor*
I remember during the draft lottery, the Rockets were supposed to pick 8. I was
when they actually won the thing and got the #1 overall pick.
With Francis on the squad, Jay Williams was a no-go.
Then I remember the Clippers offering Odom + their draft pick to the Rockets for the #1. Francis + Mobley wanted the Rockets to pull the trigger, since who knew if Yao could actually transition over and live up to the billing in the US.
Rockets drafted Yao, and I remember his first game, and dude looked lost as hell as on the court
Kobe dunking over the dude. Marbury I think breaking his ankles. Nate Rob I think blocking dude
But then there was that game vs Portland or something, where dude initiated the break, behind the back dribble, lost his man and threw it down.
Over time though, I think his second or third time matching up with Shaq, and the dude Yao schooled him
Yao managed to outplay Dwight everytime they matched up
The debate here on NT, who'd you rather have, Yao vs Dwight/Amare
Traded Francis + Mobley + Cato for T-Mac, as that was the preferred blueprint to win a championship. An elite C with an elite wing, and go from there.
That one playoff series vs Dallas, dude went like 13-15FG or something.
Some how some way though, Yao managed to get dinged up and the Rockets had to make do without him come playoff time SMH
All in all, Yao was a stand up dude. Team China ran him into the ground, but he never complained. Helped bring the China market to the NBA and was the bridge. Teammates of Yao's, like Francis, Battier, freaking Bonzi Wells ended up with China shoe endorsements and all kinds of other endorsements. Dudes got paid on top of what they were getting paid, just because they were Yao's teammates. Rockets cashed in as well.
Yao will be remembered of what could have been because of injuries, but we all know he was legit. (That FT% though)
Loyal down to the very end, with him being a FA, and saying he'll either come back as a Rocket, or retire. He retired, but his time as a Rocket is much appreciated.
Time for the Rockets to move on, rightfully so.
Thanks, Yao.
*pours out rest of the liquor*
never ate at his restaurant on westheimer, but i'll go soon enough
