Our Raymond has translated (over 3 hours) an article that China’s Titan Sports conducted with new Rockets coach Rick Adelman while he was in Vegas for the NBA Summer League last week. I have highlighted in bold some of the key statements from Adelman that you might find interesting. Here’s the translation, thanks to Raymond…
Regarding the Houston Rockets new head coach Rick Adelman, the most pressing two concerns from Chinese fans are 1) Under his coaching, what kind of progress/changes Yao Ming will have to make? and 2) How far will the Houston Rockets advance in the playoffs?
In regard to the first question, as far as Adelman is concerned, Yao Ming has as good of a shooting touch and feel as Brad Miller, and he can also be similar to Vlade Divac to become the best passing center in the entire NBA. As for the second question, Adelman said: “I hope the Rockets can advance very, very deep in the playoffs.”
TITAN: After you took rest at home for a full season, what made you accept Houston’s offer to take the helm as their head coach?
ADELMAN: I have always been waiting for the best opportunity. In Houston, they have a bunch of outstanding players on the current roster. It is very obvious they have some of the best players in the entire NBA. Yao Ming, without doubts, is one of the most outstanding centers in NBA. Tracy McGrady is also one of the most outstanding players in his position. So Houston presents the best opportunity for me, and I am very excited to come to Houston to become its head coach.
TITAN: Then what are some of the similarities between Yao Ming and Brad Miller and Vlade Divac? Will he become better than Brad Miller and Vlade Divac?
ADELMAN: I think he can reach the same level of accuracy as Brad Miller in his shooting ability. We have looked at Yao Ming’s shooting. He is an extremely fantastic shooter. I also hope Yao Ming can become a great passer just like Vlade Divac. I thought during his years, Vlade was one of the best passing centers in the NBA. I think Yao Ming similarly can become the most versatile all-rounded centers, not only good in a high post offense, but will still remain as the best center in the low post.
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