NBA Draft Scouting 2002

1. Yao Ming

Shanghai, China 7'6" 296

Center - 9/12/80 - Rt. Handed. ...Plays hard, is 7'6" and can run & dunk in traffic. Has a soft enough touch to shoot from the perimeter. He can handle the ball well and is a good passer. He's a wider 7'6" guy than other "bean-pole" NBA prospects of the past. Currently, at 296 lbs. Yao would have about 40 lbs. on the average NBA Center. ..Yao dominated play at times vs. Team USA in the World University Games. China beat USA 83-82. ...Has realitively short arms for a 7'6" guy, wingspan is "only" 7-4 ¾" ...Yao averaged 32.4 points and 19 rebounds in the Chinese league last season. Some say he moves like a 6'5" guy in a 7'6" frame. ...Marty Blake says, ""I've never seen a player that size who is that skilled," said Blake. "Wilt Chamberlain was very skilled and Bill Russell was very skilled but they weren't 7-5. I haven't seen too many well-coordinated 7-5s. In fact, there haven't been too many well-coordinated centers. He is a classic center and head and shoulders above everyone else. And don't forget, he has been playing pro ball for four or five years."

Looking back to 1999

1st Pick: Chicago - Elton Brand

Bob's Advice - Elton Brand

PUSH

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