Yao Ming delivered a heart warming and humorous induction speech at the 2016 NBA Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.
在2016年NBA奈史密斯名人堂入选仪式上,姚明发表了一篇感人肺腑又不失幽默的演讲。
Welcoming Yao Ming to the Hall were NBA legend Bill Russell, Bill Walton and former Houston Rockets teammate Dikembe Mutombo. Ming began his speech with an awesome joke. Ming said I thought Allen Iverson should've been the first to speak. But, then Ming realized he needed "more practice". The obvious pun meant to touch on Iverson's infamous 2002 "practice rant".
Each of the players who Ming selected to introduce him to the Hall carried a significant place in his heart and subsequently in his speech. First of all, Ming thanked Russell for hosting a dinner meeting in his rookie season. Russell dispensed advice Ming found particularly applicable on and off the court. Walton was pivotal in helping Ming deal with his foot injury. Mutombo was the recipient of another Yao joke referencing his mentoring along with elbows delivered in practice.
Yao was especially thankful for his introduction to the game in China and the people who assisted his growth. Additionally, Ming refereced Houston Rockets management, teammates and fans. Specifically Ming gave thanks to owner Leslie Alexander, GM Daryl Morey and each of his 3 coaches spanning his 8 year career (Rudy Tomjanovich, Jeff Van Gundy and Rick Adelman).
In addition, Ming noted Rudy's "never under estimate the heart of a champion" inspirational quote. Yao credited Van Gundy for the Rockets especially tough defensive squad and lovingly referred to the team as a brotherhood. Ming also cited Van Gundy's quote of "your best chance may also be your last chance" as particularly inspiring.
It was clear Ming has a strong attachment with his first teammates Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley. Francis was recalled as the perfect big brother welcoming Yao with an especially hard high five and hug on his first day in Houston. Then in another humorous bit he spoke of Mobley inviting him to his house to eat soul food. Because Ming did not understanding English fully he thought Mobley said "salty" food.
As for Yao's opponents he pinpointed fellow inductee Shaq consequently saying every meeting reminded him of the saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".
Arguably the most touching portion of Ming's speech was citing Houston as his second home. Ming endearingly referred to H-Town's fans as being loyal and welcoming. Ming thanked the people of Houston for standing by him through the good and bad times and giving him strength to move forward. He further stated he will always consider you (Houston natives) as part of his family saying "I'm a Texan and a Houston Rocket for life".
And she has to live with the consequences of choosing soccer over basketball.
她选择了足球而非篮球,她就需要与足球一起成长。
【语言点解析】
live with:与……一起生活;学会去适应;接受并忍受。这里是指姚明的女儿选择了足球,而非篮球,她就需要为自己的选择负责,接受这种选择带来的后果,用“live with”也暗示选择足球会遇到诸多挑战。
There is old saying in China that if the mirror is made of bronze, one can dress properly. If the mirror is history, one can predict ups and downs. If the mirror is people, one can reflect on one's own weakness and strength.
中国有句老话叫做“以铜为镜,可以正衣冠;以史为镜,可以知兴替;以人为镜,可以明得失。”
【语言点解析】
ups and downs:指史事的沉浮。在这里,姚明用到这句古语,是为了落到古语最后的“以人为镜”,继续讲在他生命中非常重要的一些人,既是很好的过渡,也显示了他睿智的一面。
All of these individuals are stars and together they form the galaxy in the universe of basketball.
As one of them, I will do my part to continue to help grow the great game of basketball, and we all look forward to watching the stars of tomorrow emerge and shine.
作为其中一员,我会尽力继续推动篮球运动发展,共同期待未来之星冉冉升起。
【语言点解析】
do one's part to do sth:这个词组的含义是“在某方面贡献自己的一份力量”,而且暗含有竭尽全力贡献力量的意思。