After a disappointing performance on December 1st that led to a loss against the Pacers, Yao Ming’s performance in December soared.
He began to demonstrate the qualities of a top pick, helping others understand why he was the first overall pick in 2002.
Even Gan Guoyang and Jordan were only second and third picks, not the league’s first choice.
Starting December 3rd, the Glory Team embarked on a Western Conference tour, known for its challenging schedule.
The first stop was San Antonio, where the Spurs had built a core lineup with Gasol, Billups, and Ginobili.
David Robinson was entering the final season of his career, announcing before the season started that he would retire after the 2002-2003 season, regardless of the outcome.
Like Robinson, Ewing would also retire at the end of this season, marking the gradual end of the era of superstar centers.
However, Yao Ming’s performance tonight proved that the Chinese Great Wall of the inside was just being built, with Yao Ming scoring 27 points, grabbing 18 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks.
He dominated the Twin Towers formed by David Robinson and Pau Gasol, including 7 Offensive Rebounds out of his 18 rebounds!
Moreover, Yao Ming’s performance wasn’t solely based on easy baskets, pick-and-rolls, or catch-and-shoot; a significant portion of his points were carved out piece by piece from the inside.
Such scoring undoubtedly has substantial value, indicating Yao Ming’s ability to become a playmaker, not just a mere inside scorer.
This is the strength of a top pick; no team selects a top pick hoping to choose just a pick-and-roll player.
After defeating the Spurs, the Glory Team headed to Dallas to face the Mavericks, where Yao Ming’s 27-point performance attracted media attention.
In Dallas, Yao Ming once again scored 31 points! Faced with the Mavericks’ tall Bradley, Yao Ming proved that this guy is nowhere near his level, that Yao Ming would not become another tall skinnyman.
Facing two strong Texas teams, Yao Ming consistently delivered outstanding performances, and during post-game interviews, Gan Guoyang was proud of Yao Ming’s success.
When asked about his view on Yao Ming’s tremendous progress during interviews, Gan Guoyang said: "Yao Ming’s achievements come mainly from his own efforts, he should be most thankful to himself. We gave him direction and a good environment, but honestly, with his strength, wouldn’t he find a good environment on other teams too? He would, and he could perform well there, maybe not worse than at Glory. I’m proud of him, like Michael said, I hope he enjoys the game."
While Gan Guoyang expressed this sentiment, Yao Ming naturally saw it differently. During domestic interviews, reporters replayed Gan Guoyang’s remarks to Yao Ming, to which he responded, "No, no, Ah Gan is too humble. Actually, I haven’t faced specific defensive focus; whether it’s the Spurs or the Mavericks, their defensive attention is focused on Ah Gan and Jordan, so I get a lot of open opportunities. Even if I receive the ball to play in the low post, it’s impossible to be double-teamed. Think about it, with Ah Gan on the left and Jordan on the right, how could they double-team me? Without being double-teamed, some plays come easier. It definitely has something to do with them, really appreciate them."
Following this, Yao Ming continued to deliver impressive scores in multiple games, advancing towards the role Gan Guoyang envisioned for him — an excellent inside finisher, a capable ball handler, and a great rim protector.
In mid-December, Yao Ming’s photograph graced the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, becoming the third Chinese player to do so after Gan Guoyang and Wang Zhizhi.
Yao Ming’s performances quickly boosted his commercial value, with major brands securing advertising contracts and orders following his outstanding displays without fading.
Among these contracts, the basketball shoe deal was crucial, with Yao Ming confidently signing with the now-independent Skyscraper, becoming one of Gan Guoyang’s sports company athletes.
As Yao Ming’s agent, Gan Guohui has been incredibly busy, flying back and forth between America and China without rest.
Yao Ming received numerous endorsement contracts from domestic brands; while Gan Guoyang’s reputation is bigger, he rarely accepts major brand advertisements on TV and magazines now.
He said, "I’m getting older, the chance to shoot ads and be a spokesperson should be given to the younger ones."
Apart from filming Skyscraper ads annually, the rest primarily involves local endorsements in Las Vegas for restaurants, hotels, car sales, real estate, etc., without extensive global promotions.
For him, endorsement fees are not important; what matters is gaining support from the local community, and he also declines to endorse luxury goods.
In Gan Guoyang’s words, "I mainly target the working-class."
Two athletes at different stages in their careers, one is on the rise, actively exploring and advancing.
The other is descending, and despite going down, it doesn’t seem to end; after all, it’s still a descent.
Gan Guoyang has set his sights on broader horizons, assets, team equity, and the business arena.
Of course, the basketball court remains his main arena, with the Glory Team firmly holding the number one spot in the league.
With Yao Ming growing into a competent starter, the team’s rotation structure has become more reasonable.
The starting lineup includes two young players, one relatively mature player in their prime, and two veterans.