If Yao was healthy this year, the Rockets would have probably upset the Lakers.

Has had some injuries in the past

I really don't know what to say about him. I guess he may have been over-hyped, but he is still a great player. Nobody knows if he is at his full potential or not.

Even still, today, one of the most underrated and overcriticized players in the NBA.  He was very hyped-up coming over from China, because he was over 7 feet tall (it's hard to find good centers with the right body-build these days) and purportedly had some moves and shooting ability.  It only took me one game to convince me that he already was immediately one of the best centers in the NBA and had the potential to be second-best after Shaq.  I realized immediately that his physique (though not yet stamina) was excellent, he had great fundamentals and very good inside-the-paint footwork and moves (with his back to the basket), and he possessed an excellent release (translating into a great shot facing the basket).  What subsequently amazed me was how much he was criticized, throughout his first year or two (and still is) by ESPN for his defensive presence (which, even from the beginning, has always been at least on par with the average NBA center), and aggressiveness.  Since his first game (he was already, automatically one of the best centers), he has improved immensively in every aspect of his game, especially defensively, and in my opinion (as Shaq is now a little 'over-the-hill') is currently the best center in the NBA.  He can do everything offensively and defensively, shoot from anywhere, and his last several match-ups with Shaq he has dominated him.  On the down-side he's been injury-prone in recent years.  But tell me of anyone who's ever played in the NBA that has been over seven feet tall (much less an entire five inches over seven feet!), who has the athleticism and all-around offensive and defensive skills as Yao Ming.  I don't believe one exists.

Many peeps thought Yao would be a bust, many questioned his fire and passion for the game. Yao Ming is now the best center in the NBA. He's not some big stiff that can't play, this guy got some game. He's the most popular player in the league, he leads the league in All Star votes. Not only can Yao play in the post, he's got a little mid range touch.

Yao Ming is 7 foot six inches, that means if He uses his tippy toes he could put his forehead on the backboard. He is softest player in the game today. He doesn't even have to jump to dunk. But for some reason he chooses to be a shooter. much like Dirk Nowinsky, or Manute Bol.

P.S. I know I spelled Dirk's last name wrong

At first, I thought he was too soft, a Shawn Bradley type, but he's finally starting to get it. He may never be a complete monster in the paint like shaq, but you can't deny his touch around the basket. He is a truly skilled big man.

My 1st review is about Yao Ming. Yao Ming stinks. seriously, there are alot better centers that houston could start. they could just keep in Strotomile Swift as a starter. 1st off each game he play's he gets into foul trouble so u only get a stable 20 monutes a game out of him nice! He should be averaging somewhere around 25 points a game. He can put his chin on the rim enough said. he's taller than everyone so there should be no reason u get locked down by players like Boris Diaw.I really feel that it his size that is what got him into the league and a starter. He's just so unaggresive in this sport where u have to flex some muscle.

A great player but disgusts me wiyh his lack of aggresiveness

Second best center in the league, but that is not saying much anymore since it is now a guards league. Shows flashes of being able to dominate every night, but still a little too passive. Also seems to get tired in the 2nd half a lot.

Yao is quite the offensive force when he's healthy. The key part of that statement is "when he's healthy." Yao and T-Mac might be the most injury prone all-star caliber duo in the league.

I'm a little disappointed in Yao's progress, but I blame Van Gundy and his inept offense. The man's whole philosophy is to shorten the game as much as possible, so of course his player's stats are going to be lower. Can you imagine Yao with the Kings?

Still young and still learning the game. Not aggressive enough. Small arms for his height. With that said, he is an amazing shooter and has the potential to be a defensive and offensive juggernaut.

need i say more

He is one tall rice eater ,i'll give him that. i dont think that he's as good as he could be but with the right coaching, he could be great.

Yao is good and gaining consistancy. If the Houston guards would pass him the rock more he'd have better numbers. He also passes off double teams nicely. His FG% is great. He needs to be more aggressive and dunk more, call for the ball etc. He needs to play against everyone the way he gears up for playing Shaq.

Excellent potential. If he gains a few pounds, he will be the most dangerous guy on the backcourt, moreso than Shaq.

A great centre that still have much to prove. For a guy who's 76, he has great spin moves and passing ability. I just cant believe that he's already at top level at such a young age. He just need to increase his upperbody strength and be more aggressive down low. He will be a monster in the league within a few years, second to none compared to Shaq as his experience goes and as he learns how to fully use his body.

Not as good as everyone thought.

An already good center who can become great as he continues to physically grow. Great natural instincts for the game along with a maturity already beyond his years. Played better than expected for a rookie and handled the pressure placed him by the media scrutiny quite well. The Rockets have positioned themselves for a championship run a few years from now if Van Gundy can utilize his talent well.

Sure he's big...but very timid and somewhat weak. The last Houston game against LA had Yao becoming Shaq's bitch. I'm sure that Shaq is quite a force to contend with...but to cower every time Shaq throws down the ball...and to cower when Kobe or Horry dunk the ball?? That's something I would expect from the likes of Shawn Bradley...not Yao. But he's young and I expect he will be excellent in a few years.

One word: interesting.

I've never seen a guy this big with such good hands and feet. . .He looks very comfortable shooting the 15 footer. All he needs is to build up a little upper body strength and he will be complete. You also have to love a big man that can pass like this.

Not only does he have so much skill, but he is so young. He should still get a lot better, and in a few years could dominate every game.

HE is a great player who will get better as he matures and gains experience. It's refreshing to see such a big mann with such skill and potential talent as well as being down to earth unlike many of the players around him. Will be an excellent player for the game.

Yao should be a force in this league for years to come. He is athletic, coordinated, has a powerful lower body, and is 7 freaking 5. He is already much better than I thought he would be.