EAST RUTHERFORD - X-rays on Yi Jianlian's neck came backnegative. Now, it's about keeping the Nets' young star positive.
"There's so much expected of him, sometimes it's a lot for ayoung guy," said Vince Carter, adding that he'd encourage Yi to keepshooting to shake out of a 10-for-35, four-game stretch where the 21-year-old, seven-footer has averaged just 6.8 points.
Coach Lawrence Frank listed Yi as probable for tonight's game atToronto, though Yi said, "I'll play tonight."
The Nets could use him against the Raptors' big front line ofChris Bosh, Jermaine O'Neal and Andrea Bargnani - especially sincecenter Josh Boone (bruised left ankle) and Stromile Swift (soreback) won't play for the Nets.
Guard Keyon Dooling (sore hamstring) and forward Jarvis Hayes(sore back) are probable for tonight, according to Frank.
Yi has gradually adjusted to life as a Net. "You've got to bepatient ... it's a long season," said Yi, who has a staunchsupporter in Carter.
"He's proven to us that he's a gamer," Carter said. "He canplay."
(C) 2008 The Record, Bergen County, NJ. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved
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