In the 2001-02 season, the Rockets achieved a record of 28 wins and 54 losses.
They are ranked fourth from the bottom in the Western Conference, only ahead of the Warriors, Grizzlies, and Nuggets, although the records of these four teams are all similar.
Wei Guo's addition will bring about a qualitative change to this team.
Although...
Wei Guo did not participate in the preseason games, and even rarely participated in team training.
Yao Ming had just arrived in Houston and didn't have the money to buy a house yet, but his teammates were very enthusiastic. Many players, including Francis, invited Yao Ming to stay at their homes.
Yao Ming declined his teammates' offer and rented a house near the stadium instead.
Putting aside the management and team setup, the team atmosphere is quite good. Francis and Mobley are both straightforward and loyal.
Wei Guo has just joined the team...
Even though he hasn't played a single game yet, and even though he's only a second-year rookie, Francis still voluntarily gave up the position of team leader, since that position belongs to the capable.
......
After the 76ers game, Weiguo and Cummings rushed back to Houston overnight.
It was past 3 a.m. when I got home...
Cummings and Weiguo went their separate ways. Cummings had just sold his house in Philadelphia a few days earlier and bought another one in Houston.
At 5 p.m., Wei Guo arrived at the Toyota Center.
tonight...
The Rockets will face the struggling Raptors at home.
Gentry was giving the players a pre-match pep talk.
"We are about to embark on a new journey. Forget last season, we are now a completely new team."
Let's forget about the preseason; the regular season has already begun. This game is both a chance to gel and a training exercise. Everyone should keep a calm mindset.
Enjoy the game and win this victory.
The Rockets' veteran players noticed that Gentry was more easygoing and less strict than the old coach. Perhaps this was due to Gentry's personality, or perhaps it was Wei Guo who gave Gentry such confidence.
However, most players like Gentry's coaching style.
For the first game, Gentry made a bold decision to start rookie Yao Ming. He liked China and felt that the 2.26-meter tall player could bring surprises to the team.
While Gentry was speaking, Cummings kept scratching his head and rubbing his nose, making a lot of small movements.
Gentry couldn't help but ask Cummings, "Do you have anything to add?"
"ah???"
Cummings raised his hand high. "Coach, how did you see the championship ring on my hand?"
Gentry, “…”
Francis, “.......”
Mobley, “.......”
"You son of a bitch!"
Wei Guo slapped Cummings on the back of the head. "Hurry up and put the ring away, you idiot."
After putting on the championship ring yesterday, Cummings hasn't taken it off, and he's still wearing it today. Those little gestures he made just now were simply an attempt to attract other people's attention.
Admittedly...
In this league, owning a championship ring is an unparalleled honor.
But Cummings's act was too obvious.
Cummings reluctantly put his championship ring away after being slapped on the shoulder by Wei Guo. Gentry asked, "Where was I?"
"You let us enjoy the game."
Francis offered a reminder.
"right!"
Gentry picked up his thermos, blew on the tea leaves, and said, "Let's go! Let's enjoy the game."
......
At the Toyota Center, every fan held a sign that read: "Welcome to Houston."
These are perhaps the happiest group of fans.
The day the 'Weiguo case' was finally settled, the whole of Houston cheered.
Starting lineup for this match:
Rockets: Francis, Mobley, Wei Guo, Thomas, Yao Ming
Raptors: Alvin Williams, Carter, Peterson, McCoy, Antonio Davis
Wei Guo just watched McGrady's game live yesterday, and today he ran into McGrady's nemesis, Carter.
Of the four shooting guards, Wei Guo encountered three within two days.
In a few days...
The Rockets and Lakers also have a game.
"Go jump ball!"
Wei Guo patted Yao Ming on the shoulder.
Although Wei Guo has the highest vertical jump in the entire league, he played small forward today. Jump ball is the center's job. This was done to help Yao Ming integrate into the league as quickly as possible.
Yao Ming and Anthony Davis are standing in the center circle.
"Beep!!!"
As the referee blew his whistle, the basketball was tossed into the air.
Young Yao Ming had a good jumping ability, and he was really tall. This was Yao Ming's first jump ball in an official NBA game, and he succeeded.
"Smack!"
Yao Ming knocked the ball away, and Francis got the ball.
Francis passed the ball to Mobley, ran to the three-point line, and gestured for Mobley to pass the ball to him.
Wei Guo moved to the weaker side, giving Francis more space.
With a simple feint, Francis accelerated past Williams, drove to the basket, and then folded in mid-air to avoid McCoy's block.
"Bang!!!"
He scored with a powerful two-handed dunk.
2-0!!!
"nice shot!!!"
The Rockets' bench erupted in cheers; this dunk could easily be one of Francis's top ten career plays.
"Sure..."
When returning to defense, Wei Guo took the initiative to give Francis a high five.
"Ha ha..."
Francis laughed and said, "This kind of dunk is commonplace for Wei Ge."
"you're right!"
Wei Guo nodded modestly.
Francis, “…”
Francis and Mobley have similar styles. Although both are defenders, their playmaking abilities are average, and they are more suited to being the spearhead on the field.
The Raptors are on offense.
Carter received the ball in mid-range, looked up but couldn't see the basket.
Wei Guo stood in front of Carter with his arms outstretched. Despite the 20-centimeter height difference, Wei Guo's mere presence instilled a strong sense of pressure in Carter.
Carter dribbled, attempting to break through from Wei Guo's left side to find shooting space, but Wei Guo was also very fast. Davis stepped up to set a screen for Carter, and Carter passed the ball to McCoy.
Yao Ming is guarding McCoy.
"Welcome to the NBA, newbie!"
McCoy yelled, pushed past Yao Ming, and got up to deliver a powerful dunk!
"Smack!"
Wei Guo appeared behind McCoy and slammed the ball onto the backboard. "What did you just say?"
McCoy paused for a moment, then saw that the person who blocked his shot was Wei Guo. His lips moved, but he didn't dare to say a word. He turned and ran back to the backcourt.
"What's that Chinese proverb about?"
Wei Guo thought for a moment and said to Yao Ming, "McCoie is like a spring. When I'm strong, he's weak; when you're weak, he's strong."
...
After Wei Guo received the ball, the Rockets players quickly ran up the court.
Francis and Mobley didn't stay behind to wait for Wei Guo to pass them the ball, because Wei Guo was the best point guard on the team.
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