Yao provides thoughts about JVG’s departure
May 21st, 2007by John
Our YaoMania! correspondent Raymond has translated an article that appeared on tom.com/Titan Sports today about Yao’s thoughts on Jeff Van Gundy leaving the Rockets, rehabbing his shoulder, and other topics. Here’s the translation:
It was something that was well anticipated, but when it did occur, there was still a tint of sadness that went with it. Jeff Van Gundy will not appear again in Toyota Center. That well-illuminated little office that worked late into the night is now empty and forlorn. And those trademarks (bald head, black eye sockets, Diet Coke, and the sound of his walking without his shoes on) that had led the Rockets for 4 years will never be seen again.
It was Saturday, the second day after Houston Rockets announced Jeff Van Gundy’s dismissal. It was originally Yao Ming’s planned rest day; he had planned to drive to the suburbs for a walk in the countryside to relax. But since the news of JVG’s dismissal was officially released Friday, the whole Houston Rockets from top to down, from the working staff to those correspondent reporters that had followed the Rockets for years just ran around spreading the news ~ they will never have to see that gloomy and sparkless face any more. But when a local friend finally managed to connect onto Yao Ming’s phone to share with him the “joyful” news, there came over the line a big sigh from Yao Ming.
Actually, even before the “win or go home” Game 7 with the Utah Jazz, the news was already circulating within the Rockets’ circle that even if the Rockets can beat Utah and advance into Round 2, Jeff Van Gundy may not be able to keep his post as head coach.
On the night the Rockets were eliminated from the playoffs by the Jazz, everyone knew the Van Gundy era had come to an end, and simultaneously rumors of Rockets’ management touching base with Rick Adelman started to flow.
Then two days later during the season-ending meeting, Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady were called into new GM Daryl Morey‘s office. They were told there was still a possibility that Jeff Van Gundy will stay and remain in the office, but the team is also in search of his replacement candidate. This in fact had indicated whether Jeff Van Gundy can stay is dependent on whether Rick Adelman is willing to come to Houston.
During this meeting, some reporters asked Yao Ming how he felt about Rudy Tomjanovich, his previous head coach. Deep down inside, Yao Ming knew that Rudy T. may never return to the Rockets, but he still simply said: “I like him very much.” But until today, not one reporter in Houston even dared to ask Yao Ming how he felt about Jeff Van Gundy. Maybe they thought they already knew the answer.
“Now I feel rather sad,” Yao Ming said, “and it is a completely different feeling compared to when Rudy left. The reason I have joined Houston was all due to Rudy. He chose me, he trusted me and he gave me space (for improvement). To me, Rudy is like an elder, very similar to a father. To me, Jeff is like a true coach. When Rudy left, I still did not have much understanding about what the NBA was all about, and I still could not handle many things like a true professional. Regardless how you view this, sadness is sadness. After all, we have been together for 4 years. And I could have already played half of my professional career. I just don’t have that many 4-year stretches.”
“Moreover, if not for Jeff, I would not have become who I am and what I am today. If not for him working everyday that hard like he was whipping me at the back, I would not have my current achievement. He is an extremely ruthless head coach. He is extremely ruthless to me, but he also let me see how he treated himself ruthlessly. (From now on) I think I will miss him and think of him very often, or otherwise, I may become a bit relaxed or lazy, particularly during the summers.”
So farewell to the departing guest, and welcome to the newcomer. Rick Adelman (who is to sign a contract anytime now) is perhaps still packing his luggage to come to Houston, or is already looking around in Houston for his new home.
The Princeton offense of the Sacramento Kings had left a deep impression with Yao Ming in the past. If Yao Ming’s superiority in height and his passing skill can seamlessly melt into this new set of systems, then his territory will be expanded and not just limited to within the paint under Jeff Van Gundy’s reign. He may occasionally show up in the free throw line to coordinate or create space for the guards to penetrate. Yao Ming said: “I only have limited knowledge/impression of Rick Adelman. But I thought if he indeed will join us, then definitely I have to start to pick up some of those skills that I have put aside for all these years.”
“I am not as optimistic as you imagine.” He said. “This matter is not as simple as it may look like. When you make changes or adjustments, your opponents will also make changes or adjustments. In the NBA league, every of your moves are closely watched and learned by your opponents. But I thought, after Rick Adelman joining us, perhaps I will finally have a chance to score my first triple double in a game.”
Well, it will be at least another 5 months time when Yao Ming sees Rick Adelman or starts to learn and understand Rick Adelman’s offense systems. Yao Ming has yet to rid himself from the aftermath and agony of that nightmarish Game 7 loss. From the perspective of his body, he is still dealing with some issues from the previous season. It is decided that his right shoulder will not undergo a surgery, but that does not mean his right shoulder has no problem. He will still require daily physical therapy (on his right shoulder) as well as specific strength training on particular groups of muscle.
“The doctor told me, if I take a surgery on my right shoulder, I will lose 10 to 15% of my strength, and that loss is permanent and I will never be able to get that back. So no surgery does not mean no problem.”
”I will take care of all these problems of the past season first, before I take a look into the new season. As far as I am concerned, I am now more sad (about Jeff’s departure) than anticipative (about Rick Adelman’s arrival).”