The comparison would seem flimsy at best, particularly coming from someone so devoted to considering every detail and measuring every word. Tom Thibodeau, however, can offer no greater compliment, which was deliberately his intention.

But after two seasons with (Omer) Asik as his backup center with the Bulls, Thibodeau looked past his performance and potential to the qualities that make both possible.

“In a lot of ways,” Thibodeau said, “he is like Yao Ming.”

“Very, very bright,” Thibodeau said of his former big men. “(Asik) has size, intelligence, great feet, drive and a willingness play for the team. He reacts quickly, anticipates, and he’s relentless. He’s a multiple effort guy. He’s a 7-footer, smart, driven. He will get better.”

via Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle