Bad enough that Yao Ming’s Rockets got the better of Yi Jinlian and the Bucks in last night’s mucho heralded battle of the really tall Chinese dudes. But does Tracy McGrady really have to call the Milwaukee rookie (above, right) a dope? From the Houston Chronicle’s Steve Campbell.
“What position does he play?” said Rockets guard Tracy McGrady, who drew the assignment of guarding Yi. “For a guy who’s 7 feet, he’s an athlete. He can get to the basket, and he showed he can shoot from the outside. If I were 7 feet and a guy 6-8 was on me, I would post him up all night. He needs to improve his basketball IQ a little.“
He’s five games into his career. He has time to learn, time to establish himself as a must-see player. Del Harris, who coached the 2004 Chinese Olympic team, said Yi is “destined” to be an All-Star.
“Yi is the fastest power forward in the league,” Harris said. “I think he’s the most athletic 7-footer in the league. I don’t think there’s anybody who could beat him in a race. I don’t think anybody could jump higher at 7 feet with timing.”