Yao Ming Is NBA’s Hottest Player
Houston Rockets center tops our Who’s Hot, Who’s Not List
It took a few years, but NBA players and fans are learning what basketball fans in China have always known - Yao Ming is a star. He also tops Who's Hot, Who's Not list.
Off to the best start of his brief professional basketball career, Yao Ming is dominating NBA centers, including former nemesis Shaquille O’Neal. Ming heads our first Who’s Hot, Who’s Not list. . .
Who’s Hot?
Yao Ming, Houston -- Averaging a career high 27 points to go along with 10 rebounds and two blocks through seven games, Yao has become the ultimate big man in the NBA. He recently dominated Shaq, dropping 34 points and 14 rebounds on the diesel’s head. Yao might have just enough game to take the Rockets deep into the playoffs, even without huge numbers from Tracy McGrady.
Carmelo Anthony, Denver – Carmelo is earning the hype that placed him with prime draft mates, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. Anthony is averaging a Western Conference-leading 29 points through two weeks of basketball, and he’s shooting a lofty 49% from the field.
Zach Randolph, Portland – Randolph has the Trail Blazers forgetting that they are supposed to reside at the bottom of the Power Rankings. The former Michigan State star has exploded for 27 points and 10 rebounds through seven games, leading Portland to a 4-3 record.
Michael Redd – Averaging just 10 points and 5 assists, the erstwhile "Stevie Franchise" isn’t earning his New York millions., Milwaukee – Redd is not just hot, he is smokin’. After pouring in 57 in Utah, Redd began the season averaging 32 points, including a sizzling 47% from 3-point range.
Who’s Not?
Steve Francis, New York -- Averaging just 10 points and 5 assists, the erstwhile "Stevie Franchise" isn’t earning his New York millions.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cleveland – 8 points, 8 rebounds and 36% shooting for a guy who is 7-3 and purported to have a soft touch is not exactly the production the Cavaliers are seeking in the middle of their offense. If this trend continues, Z’s minutes will continue to decline, and he’ll be very big trade bait.
Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix – The long-awaited return of Suns star forward has been as disappointing as the Suns start to the 2006-07 season. Stoudemire is not starting, logging just 20 minutes and 12 points per night. Meanwhile, the high-flying Suns have started 2-5.
