Yao Ming entered the NBA as the No.1 scholar in 2002, while Francis has been in the league for three years, not only being the absolute core of the Rockets, but also being selected as an All-Star. Yao Ming's arrival will have a certain impact on his team position, but Francis did not exclude the little giant from the east like some teammates, but regarded Yao Ming as his brother, which was good for Yao Ming. How good was he to Yao Ming at that time? List a few things that everyone feels.
First, the Rockets selected Yao Ming with the No.1 pick, and it was Francis who helped the Rockets draw the No.1 pick. At the time of drawing lots, he helped the Rockets win the first prize with a probability of 8.9%, which led to the story that Yao Ming later joined the Rockets, which was also the beginning of the fate between Francis and Yao Ming.
Perhaps he was chosen by the winner of the draft, and Francis took special care of Yao Ming. When Yao Ming first came to the Rocket Arena, Francis was the first person to shake hands with Yao Ming and jokingly said, "You are here thanks to me." They talked and laughed through translation, which eased Yao Ming's nervousness.
Second, from CBA to NBA, Yao Ming should not only adapt to the fiercer competition, but also adapt to the cultural differences between China and the West. Francis contributed greatly to his rapid integration into American culture, his rapid establishment in the NBA and his fame. After Yao Ming arrived in Houston, Francis traveled all over the streets of Houston with Yao Ming's translator, participated in various community activities, participated in various parties, tasted local food, accompanied Yao Ming for an interview, and so on, so that Yao Ming could quickly adapt to the new environment.
Francis also gave Yao a lot of help on the court. Yao Ming's NBA debut was terrible. The media said he was a parallel import and described him with all kinds of ugly words. Yao Ming was hit hard. At this time Francis stood up and spoke for Yao Ming. He encouraged Yao Ming to fight back with strength. He explained tactics to Yao Ming, instructed Yao Ming how to stand, trained with Yao Ming, pointed out various problems of Yao Ming, and helped Yao Ming to make rapid progress.
Third, in order to protect Yao Ming, Francis did not hesitate to offend many people. He said, "I hate people abusing my Yao brothers, not at any time, nor by anyone." On one occasion, Rockets coach Tom Janovich was absent from the game due to physical reasons, and assistant larry smith will temporarily coach. Yao Ming did not perform well in the game against the Spurs, and the Rockets lost to the Spurs. The teaching assistant put the blame on Yao Ming and called Yao Ming insulting words. Francis stepped forward and angrily sprayed the teaching assistant: "You just know that you complain, and all this is caused by your blind command!" We all did well, and you screwed everything up. "
There is also a well-known scene-in the game between the Rockets and the Suns, Stoudemire dunks on Yao Ming's head and then yells at Yao Ming. He had publicly refused to accept Yao Ming as the No.1 scholar before, and this time it was a naked provocation. Then Francis stepped forward to help Yao Ming out. He angrily pushed away Stoudemire, who was only 1 m tall and 9 1 m tall. Francis is not as tall and heavy as Stoudemire. If there is a real fight, he can't beat Stoudemire, but he didn't lose to Stoudemire at all. This has nothing to do with him. He only stood up to protect his Yao brothers.
Fourth, after a short cooperation, Francis was traded to the Magic, and the new era of Yao-Mai combination officially began. On one occasion, Yao Ming took a rocket to Orlando to challenge magic. When Yao Ming made a free throw, Francis, who had become an opponent, naturally came forward to give Yao a high five, but soon realized that he was no longer a teammate and pulled his hand back.
Even if they become rivals, their friendship has always existed. Every time they meet, they will hug each other deeply and keep telling each other in their ears that they will not let go. Later, Francis returned to the Rockets. He was not in the scenery at that time, but he always laughed happily with Yao Ming. Francis retired after a brief season of reunion.
Although one is American and the other is from China, with great cultural differences, both of them regard each other as family. Francis's grandmother once said that Francis always mentioned Yao Ming, which made her feel that she had another grandson. Francis always considers Yao Ming's feelings when he speaks or does things. He once revealed in front of the media that some jokes about Yao Ming would sound uncomfortable because of cultural differences, so he tried to make less jokes about Americans with Yao Ming. When Yao Ming entered the Hall of Fame, Francis also wrote "My Brother Yao" to congratulate him, as if he were as proud as himself.
Francis regards Yao Ming as a brother, and Yao Ming also regards the former as a brother. Francis's life after retirement is not good. He was infected with all kinds of bad habits, bankrupt and decadent, and could not see the scenery of the past. As the owner of Shanghai Sharks, Yao Ming tried to introduce Mr. Frodo to CBA in this way to help his big brother, but Francis was desperate and depressed, and later he went to prison. Yao Ming is very helpless.