Yao: It's a pity to play without Yi on the court
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Houston Rockets all-star center Yao Ming said it's a pity he will not play against compatriot Yi Jianlian during Wednesday's NBA China Games opener at the Wukesong Arena in Beijing.
Yi was traded by the New Jersey Nets to the Washington Wizards and the match-up of the Chinese big men has now turned into a clash between Yao and the Nets' rising center, Brook Lopez.
"It's a pity I could not play against Yi at home," said Yao during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday. "It would have been a more spectacular game as both of us are Chinese."
"But it's the reality and we have to face and accept it."
Yao, who returned from a career-threatening injury, has played in three preseason games thus far and said he is still getting used to being on court again, particularly after the flight from the United States to China.
"Definitely, the long flight will have some effect on our condition," Yao said of himself and his teammates.
"We will try our best to get to find some good form before Wednesday's match."
Yao is also looking forward to the challenge he will face from Lopez, who is looming as a future superstar at the center position.
"Playing against different kinds of centers will help me get back on track as soon as possible," he said.
"I played against Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan in the first two preseason matches. Now it's Lopez. I like the feeling of playing against all of them."
Nets coach Avery Johnson also believes it will be a fine contest between Yao and his big man.
"It's going to be a great matchup. These are two really big guys. Both are skilled," said Johnson. "Yao Ming is trying to get healthy. And he is trying to get himself going from the injury. I'm sure the fans in Beijing will really enjoy the clash."
The former Dallas Mavericks coach also shrugged off the inevitable pressure from Yao's home supporters.
"We also have fans in China and we need them to cheer for us. We can not allow Yao Ming to have all the fans," said Johnson.
"But we are excited. We know this is a big deal for Yao. He's been a big asset for the NBA, both for what he is doing on the court and what he delivers off the court. Hopefully, he can have a healthy season."
To Chinese fans, it's also a matchup between two of the league's best coaches.
Rick Adelman, Houston's mentor, has recorded the sixth most wins among active NBA coaches, while the younger Johnson proved himself by leading the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals in 2006.
Johnson, however, played down the comparison and still sees himself as a learner.
"Rick has a great career. Young coaches like me want to have a career like him. He did a terrific job with the Sacramento Kings," he said.
"Now, he is doing a good job with the Rockets. Young coaches like me are inspired by coaches like him.
"He is better than me."
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