EAST RUTHERFORD ? X-rays on Yi Jianlian?s neck came back negative Now, it?s about keeping the Nets young star positive.
"There?s so much expected of him, sometimes it?s a lot for a young guy," said Vince Carter, adding that he?d encourage Yi to keep shooting 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 at Toronto, though Yi said, "I?ll play tonight."
The Nets could use him against the Raptors? big front line of Chris Bosh, Jermaine O?Neal and Andrea Bargnani ? especially since center Josh Boone (bruised left ankle) and Stromlie Swift (sore back) 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 be patient ? it?s a long season," said Yi, who has a staunch supporter in Carter.
"He?s proven to us that he?s a gamer," Carter said. "He can play."
