WASHINGTON - Chinese rookie Yi Jianlian will be an all-star in the National Basketball Association, said Milwaukee Bucks general manager Larry Harris.
Milwaukee Bucks Yi Jianlian (R) of China shoots the ball over Toronto Raptors Anthony Parker during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Toronto, January 25, 2008. [Agencies] The Milwaukee newspaper Journal Sentinel said on Saturday that Harris is glad that the Bucks were able to land the 7-foot rookie from China in the June 2007 draft, with the sixth overall pick.
Yi, who will face off against countryman Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets at the Bradley Center in one week, has been in the Bucks' starting lineup for all 44 games this season.
"I've seen progress in every part of his game," Harris said. "I'm not so worried about him missing shots, because you know what, they all still look like they're going in. They're all within his rhythm and range.
"He's expanding his game. I like the fact that he's aggressive taking it to the basket. I like the fact that he's offensive rebounding and trying to go up there. The strength factor and conditioning and getting used to 17 games in a month, that just comes with experience."
When Yi was playing for the Guangdong Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association, he had fewer games and much more practice time than he does in the NBA. He has admitted he is adjusting to the rigors of the schedule and travel, yet he said he does not feel tired.
"He's still going to be there every night to answer the bell, and I anticipate at anytime he's going to score 14, 16, 20 points, " Harris said. "That opportunity is there for him every time he steps on the floor."
Yi played a season-low 13 minutes against Indiana on Thursday, in part due to matchups because the Pacers went with a small lineup. He had six points and four rebounds in 22 minutes as the Bucks lost to the Toronto Raptors, 106-75, on Friday night, but coach Larry Krystkowiak went with his reserves exclusively in the final quarter.
"He has exceeded my expectations," Harris said. "I'd love to sit here and tell you, 'Yeah, we saw it all.' I thought there was going to be more of a transition, especially at the defensive end and with the quickness and strength factors.
"I think his body will develop and that will become a non-factor as he continues his growth. Now teams are game-planning for him; they're sticking smaller players on him so he's not able to just catch and shoot. I think his game could be both at small forward and power forward, though I think his primary position is a power forward."
Yi is certain to be selected for the Rookie Challenge game, to be played on the Friday of all-star weekend in mid-February.
Yi finished fifth among Eastern Conference forwards in the all-star balloting, based exclusively on write-in votes and his immense popularity in China. While he's not all-star caliber yet, he will get a taste of the NBA's big event with his participation in the rookie game in New Orleans.
"I see the all-star balloting, and I see where he's at," Harris said. "It's only a matter of time. I expect him to be an all-star soon, and he's going to be a major factor in this league."