ClutchFans - Joakim Noah or Yi Jianlian?

johnkamla

08-26-2006, 10:17 PM

pchan

08-26-2006, 10:23 PM

Maybe I just need to see Yi more, but I really haven't seen him doing much during the current FIBA basketball tournament...

aussie rocket

08-27-2006, 01:19 AM

Jianlian as a project.

Noah doesn't knock my socks off.

gucci888

08-27-2006, 07:34 AM

Both guys are overrated IMO. Yi probably has more potential than Noah but I think Yi has a greater chance of being a complete bust than Noah being a good player (I think that makes sense).

AXG

08-27-2006, 03:41 PM

I choose Yi for his potential and his great mid-range game. He's a good rebounder and can spread the floor some for his buddy Yao to operate. I think Noah is a little overrated, but decent nonetheless. I just don't see Noah making much improvements to his game, while Yi still has room to grow and develop some defense.

william847

08-27-2006, 05:33 PM

Does anybody have any sites that I can go to about Noah? Or any sites with video clips? I have never seen this guy play..... :D

BayAreaG510

08-27-2006, 08:44 PM

Joakim Noah sucks.

Luckyazn

08-27-2006, 11:08 PM

NOAH is going to REGET not coming out this yr

BUSTAA

wizkid83

08-28-2006, 10:23 PM

Didn't vote, where's the neither button?

MemphisX

08-29-2006, 06:29 AM

Here is Noah (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3qxVAUbOto)

gucci888

08-29-2006, 08:05 AM

Here is Noah (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3qxVAUbOto)

That was nice. Like Luckyazn posted, Noah is gonna regret not coming out last year. He was lock for a Top 3 pick and I think he is gonna show who he really is...an overhyped Anderson Varajuo (sp?).

Flamescreen

08-29-2006, 09:44 AM

I think Yi can become a good player(he's a talent still), but I don't think he's NBA material right now and not for at least 2 more years. You cannot be skinny and do anything in the NBA, the best example of a non american player is Kukoc(of my all time faves), who was at least 7-9 times better than Yi when he joined(and actually was so good that played all five positions, superb defender for Europe and would score 50's frequently) but still couldn't be really used until he bulked up.

And even then he didn't become the dominant player he was in europe and never became anything better than a valuable contributor to Jordan's team(and out of it more like Pipen's role, not as good as you'd want him). In addition CBA is sorta of a minor NBA, but not quite, vast competition difference.

Not to say he's useless, but don't let appearences full you. He's far from ready for the NBA yet.

dfwrox

08-29-2006, 10:03 AM

I choose Yi for his potential and his great mid-range game . ???

We must have watched two different person. If anything, he is a Stromile Swift clone.

compucomp

08-29-2006, 10:39 AM

Here is Noah (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3qxVAUbOto)

Reminiscent of Carter over Weis. Too bad CBS never showed any replays of the dunk because Florida won and CBS was blatantly pro-Florida. Honestly I have not seen that much from Noah to suggest that he will be a superstar.

JayZ750

08-29-2006, 11:18 AM

Honestly I have not seen that much from Noah to suggest that he will be a superstar.

Maybe not a superstar, but he can be very very good, with some all-star type seasons. This guy put up consistently good, all around numbers this year in his first major college basketball season. He's got the height and length and athleticism for sure. He needs to work on his mid-range game, offensive post-up moves, and to some extent, ball-handling (depending on the type of player he wants to be in the NBA).

Though he hasn't shown any tendency to be a good long-distance shooter, I think if he can at least develop good mid-range game, there should be no reason why he shouldn't be a solid starting PF for any team in the league, with the potential for some 20-10 seasons on there.

Not saying there isn't a downside case with him, too, just that I think Noah, at this point, clearly has shown a lot lot more potential than Yi.

Think about Yao. He dominated the CBA and still took a few years to adjust. He is only just now getting ready to dominate the NBA in his fifth season.

Yi is quietly approaching Yao's age when he was drafted and hasn't shown himself to be anywhere near as dominant in the CBA. In the most recent WBC I found his game to be highly lacking and didn't really see how he helped his team out that much when on the floor. Yi may become a solid NBA player one day, but his game needs a lot of work, from what I've seen.

triplebogey

09-01-2006, 01:27 AM

yi jianlian is rumored to be 24 years old...or possibly even older. that's a big difference from joakim noah's authenticated age of 21. when talking about drafting any player based on potential, the age of the player is a crucial factor in projecting improvement. three years of development is pretty significant. plus, you're also talking about a huge cultural transition, learning a new language, etc. yao made it look easy because he's pretty special. unless you have solid evidence that yi will handle the transition (i'm just talking about lifestyle here, not even the basketball side), i'd go with noah easily.

BayAreaG510

09-01-2006, 01:45 AM

Yi JianLian is 19. That stupid rumor Fran Blinebury started was wacked. Shane Battier said he never said Yi told him he's really 24. Fran Blinebury must've feel stupid now.

kingkow

09-01-2006, 05:52 PM

Jo because its got better handles, better basketball IQ

mrmrdan

09-01-2006, 08:43 PM

It really will have to depend. No one could've figured that Rudy Gay dropped all the way to 6 in this year's draft, or that Gerald Green dropped to #16 in last year's draft. Besides we have to see how each one develops.

dfwrox

09-02-2006, 07:09 AM

yi jianlian is rumored to be 24 years old...
This is not true. Shane has cleared the rumor.

or possibly even older. .

This part, you have made it up yourself.

triplebogey

09-02-2006, 11:14 PM

This is not true. Shane has cleared the rumor.

This part, you have made it up yourself.

Dude, that's pretty strong language there...if you're going to call me a LIAR, at least make sure before doing so. You don't happen to be Yi Jianlian's cousin or something, are you???

First, I have no idea what rumor regarding Shane you're talking about. I also have no idea what some previous poster is talking about in regards to Fran Blinebury. Can't even comment on it because, like I said, I have no idea.

Jim Durham and Bill Walton talked about Yi Jianlian's age several times during the ESPN broadcast of the USA vs. China exhibition game in Guangzhou. Durham and Walton were the ones speculating that Yi is older than his "new" listed age of 23 (October 1984 birthdate means he's about to turn 24). Yi Jianlian's age is not 19 according to many reports.

See here:http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/32473/20040715/top_chinese_prospect_yi_jianlian_becomes_3_years_older_in_1_day/

"Jianlian's age has been considered a question mark for quite some time now, the biggest question now is whether his new age can be believed either."

That sounds like I'm not the one that's saying he could be older than his "new" listed age of 24.

This article also refers to an article on sina.com (which is a Chinese news site, so don't any of you Chinese dudes come and say that it's some American fueled rumor) confirming that Yi's age was suddenly changed and that he's suddenly turned 3 years older.

Here's another story: http://www.nbadraft.net/prevenas048.asp

"Speaking of age, that brings up a rather controversial issue surrounding Yi. Some records say he was born in 1987. Others say he was born in 1984."

I don't know, dfwrox...maybe I'm imagining having read that on the internet. Maybe I started multiple websites called RealGM and NBAdraft.net, posting articles dating back over a year, in order to start my very own rumor that Yi Jianlian's age is older than 19 and can't be reliably authenticated . Maybe I got myself a job at a Chinese language news site and wrote a Chinese article about my rumor. Maybe I'm the one that gained enough influence at ESPN/ABC/Dinsey in order to script Jim Durham and Bill Walton's dialogue and have them perpetuate this rumor that I made up years ago. :rolleyes:

If you don't like my sources/don't find them trustworthy or simply choose not to believe them, fine. But don't call me a liar without doing some research yourself.

Shroopy2

09-02-2006, 11:37 PM

Joakim Noah looks like a tall kid going into the WNBA draft. I think that detracts from his actual talent and on-court effectiveness. Which is still a bit overrated, yes. Its like the draft 2 years in going with Emeka Okafor the productive college player or Dwight Howard the "younger" physical prospect. I'd go with Noah right now.

triplebogey

09-02-2006, 11:55 PM

my math was a little off on my last post (it's late). if yi's birthday is REALLY 10/2004, then that means he's about to turn 22. durham and walton were speculating that yi is older than that...as do the articles.

my point is still stands...namely, that yi jianlian's age of 19 is disputed and that there is speculation that he's older then 22. i am of the opinion that, whenever a player's age is "suddenly" adjusted, that the new age given can't fully be trusted, either. i feel the same way about, say, Dominican or Cuban baseball players that have years suddenly attached to their ages. it just paints everything in a suspicious light.

triplebogey

09-02-2006, 11:57 PM

geez, i need to go to bed...i meant to type 1984, not 2004.

aussie rocket

09-03-2006, 03:31 AM

I heard Ming is 28.

I heard LeBron is 25 - and did you know he's Mike's brother?

triplebogey

09-03-2006, 08:57 AM

I heard Ming is 28.

I heard LeBron is 25 - and did you know he's Mike's brother?

okay...i guess.

mrmrdan

09-03-2006, 10:39 AM

Yi told me the other day that he was 47. His plastic surgeon does routine checkups every two days, and he does promotions for a major hairgrowth product.

adoo

09-03-2006, 02:52 PM

....Yi is starting to put together a resume on the international stage and was MVP of the CBA last season (I know that doesn't mean much to some). ... Yi is a good rebounder, shot blocker and mid-range shooter........Yi's accomplishments, on the International stage and the CBS, pale in comparison to anothe PF Wang ZhiZhi

wozudichter

09-03-2006, 03:41 PM

um, i think this is a no brainer- noah maybe has less potential, but way more proven skills than yi. and that point about yao dominating cba before coming to the nba is right on - yi hasn't really dominated the way yao has, and probably won't. Noah will put up solid numbers.

AzCkR

09-03-2006, 07:58 PM

i'm not a big fan of joakim noah. i would take yi jianlian over him anyday.

adoo

09-04-2006, 12:09 AM

.... i would take yi jianlian over him anyday.....based on what ?

certainly, no the level of competition, as as it has been, that Yi has faced thus far.

when confronted by stiff competition, will Yi

==>fold like a tent, in a manner like Wang ZhiZhi, or

==>compete like hell, in a manner like YaoMing ?

wireonfire

09-07-2006, 04:58 PM

based on what ?

certainly, no the level of competition, as as it has been, that Yi has faced thus far.

when confronted by stiff competition, will Yi

==>fold like a tent, in a manner like Wang ZhiZhi, or

==>compete like hell, in a manner like YaoMing ?

Two games China vs USA,

Yi: 14p/9r/30m and 13p/7r/2b/24m

Bargnani was Yi's backup in 04 Hoop Summit game. Yi 7p/7r/28m, Bargnani 3p/3r/19m.

wireonfire

09-07-2006, 05:42 PM

???

We must have watched two different person. If anything, he is a Stromile Swift clone.

That is because you watched too many of his highlight dunks. Yi shot 36% at 3s last season. He is known for his outside jumpers.

GreatRox

11-03-2006, 02:19 AM

Joakim Noah hands down

KaiSeR SoZe

11-03-2006, 09:04 AM

I dont know about this Yi guy and how his game will translate into the NBA...

how are his stats in the CBA? Yao dominated the CBA...

we need a rough and tough PF not a pansy (aka Noah)

Ehsan

11-03-2006, 09:33 AM

1) Stromile Swift hit 50% of his shots last year. He took many midrange jumpers, and made many as well.

2) Yi is not a Stro clone. I agree he's built similarly, but as mentioned, he hit 36% of his 3's. He's got a decent midrange game complemented by the ability to take it to the hoop against bigger guys. When you combine his ability to hit 3's, hit a midrange J at a decent rate, and take it to the hoop, you have to think this guy can probably score a little bit regardless of the league. You may think that his quickness is overrated because of the competition he faces, but we've seen him play against the U.S. before and he's been able to show those flashes.

IMO he's 19 and they wanted to change his age because you have to be at least 22 to leave the CBA.

GreatRox

11-03-2006, 12:23 PM

The question should be, who will be waived first? or Who will be traded first.

KGHossman

11-09-2006, 01:08 AM

If both are available in the 2007 draft and all the other obvious choices (Greg Oden, OJ Mayo, etc.) are gone, which guy would you choose?

IMO, both guys have shown great potential but neither are lock solid future stars. Noah flashed greatness for just a handful of games last year, albeit on the biggest stage of college basketball. Yi is starting to put together a resume on the international stage and was MVP of the CBA last season (I know that doesn't mean much to some). Both are tall, skinny and athletic. Noah has shown a good all-around game. Yi is a good rebounder, shot blocker and mid-range shooter.

Who's your pick?

I would definitely take Noah over Yi. Noah would be a good compliment to Yao's game. Also, you said after the obvious choices of Greg Oden and OJ Mayo. Mayo won't be eligible for the draft, he is only a high school sr. I believe ur thinking of Kevin Durant of Texas. he's sposed to be the "next Tmac".

BlueberryEater

11-09-2006, 02:54 AM

Yi is way better than Noah. Oh and the age rumor crap, Yi is definitely 19. Those reporters got confused with those Chinese lunar calendar birthdates and they made a big deal about it when they don't know what's going on. So they need to get over it.

Gosh, reporters these days just don't have better things to write about.

ucansee2020

11-09-2006, 09:10 AM

Those of you who favor Noah over Yi probably never saw Yi play. You are making the same mistake like you did with Yao back in 2002. One cannot assume that Yi isn't going to do well in the NBA just because he played in an inferior league like CBA. And Yi is not exactly Swift-clone; Yi is much taller and has much better range out to 3-pt line and better backetball IQ. and I belive his age is authentic, we all know how rumors go, heck it's probably started by some GMs out there on some play-off teams to try to lower Yi's value to get their hands on him. I've heard that Yi wanted to play for the Suns, so maybe he does not care to be a lottary pick anyways. I'd pick Yi over Noah anytime.

HoopsFancy

11-09-2006, 01:00 PM

can joakim do this?? http://img1.qq.com/sports/pics/2007/2007276.jpg
hel no.

and he needs a haircut http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Joakim_Noah.jpg

Ji all the way.

HoopsFancy

11-09-2006, 01:05 PM

If u ever watch yi jianlian play, his style somewhat resembles chris bosh. great hops, long arms, athletic, shoots the mid range J well, excellecent rebounder.

wnes

11-09-2006, 01:06 PM

rocketman1979

11-09-2006, 10:01 PM

His 18 moves

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3lF3Vgs53o8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3lF3Vgs53o8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
You have to forgive them. Not many have 20/20 foresight. :)

rocketman1979

11-09-2006, 10:08 PM

I doubt Joakim has better shooting skills or athletic ability.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A6plJTvMW04"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A6plJTvMW04" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

His mixtapes have the worst music. :D

batizy

11-09-2006, 10:22 PM

Noah is absolutely in 3 if Florida will go to sweet 16
Yi will be 10 - 15, maybe drop since NCAA this year is unpredictable.

With Culture, Language and Character issues like Wang having before, it is tough for Yi also.

The big difference between Yao and Yi is that Yao has an open and optimistic mind, easy to plug into America. No 1 pick is also giving Yao many chances.

No Doubt! Pick Noah!

rocketman1979

11-09-2006, 10:23 PM

Heres a video clip of Noah. :)
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hc8GO8-q4iQ"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hc8GO8-q4iQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

Does anybody have any sites that I can go to about Noah? Or any sites with video clips? I have never seen this guy play..... :D

compucomp

11-10-2006, 01:45 AM

Yi is not great at shooting 3's. He can shoot the midrange shot well but not very well out to three point range. He's pretty quick and is quite athletic.

Watching him in the WBC... I'm not sure what to make of him. He needs to bulk up for sure, watching big centers like Santiago or DHoward physically overpower him was discouraging. Playing with Yao suppressed his game I think, he didn't get many chances to post up, and was forced to play on the perimeter with big Yao clogging up the paint, making it hard for him to drive. Jonas also fell in love (figuratively) with Wang Zhizhi and gave him minutes at the expense of Yi's minutes.

Before this WBC, all I saw of him was the 2004 Olympics, when he was like 17 years old and didn't play, and in highlight reels, so I wasn't sure about his defense. Well, I saw that his shot-blocking ability is excellent, but his lack of strength hurt him when guarding post players or when rebounding. He also had some Stro-like missed rotations and stuff.

I think he has potential, but watching him in the WBC revealed his flaws. I think if Noah played for Team France this past summer, we would have seen flaws that may not have been revealed when going against college competition.

Personally I think he is better than Noah. Noah right now has no shot outside of 5 feet. His handles aren't as good as Yi's. He may be more athletic, but I don't think by much. I'd go for Yi.

Painting_Shade

11-10-2006, 12:47 PM

I just want, some way, to see yao and yi play together. I dunno. I just think it'd be cool. not necessarily what's best for the team, though I think it would be best for yi. yao has been there. yi could learn alot.

dfwrox

11-10-2006, 02:24 PM

Painting_Shade

11-11-2006, 05:43 PM

I assume you are going to pick up his paycheck? :confused:

no lol if the opportunity would be beneficial for all parties then I'd say go for it. all I meant is that yao would be a big help to yi.

hydrolisko

11-13-2006, 06:34 PM

Noah is a Chandler at best, Yi will either become a Nowitzki or a Wang Zhizhi all over again. Take your pick. I'd go with yi.

rocketman1979

11-13-2006, 09:50 PM

Yi Jianlian top ten dunks
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TxHjuRoTLxA"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TxHjuRoTLxA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

dwc13

11-14-2006, 08:32 AM

???

We must have watched two different person. If anything, he is a Stromile Swift clone.

Uh, nobody deserves to be burdened with that tag!

WNBA

11-14-2006, 02:06 PM

http://img1.qq.com/sports/pics/2007/2007276.jpg

Is this faked by ps? His face is too relax while jumping that high.

If Dwright Howard can kiss the rim, Yi looks like he can piss on it.

rocketman1979

11-14-2006, 05:18 PM

Its real, noone would waste their time doing some ps of Yi Jianlian
http://img1.qq.com/sports/pics/2007/2007276.jpg

Is this faked by ps? His face is too relax while jumping that high.

If Dwright Howard can kiss the rim, Yi looks like he can piss on it.

professorjay

11-15-2006, 11:54 AM

Geez, all the hate for Noah. I'm sure you'd all be talking differently if he were playing for your team. Wow, one highlight of someone dunking on him. That trumpets winning the NCAA title for you guys? If so, you can have it. It's like ESPN where Yao has the best game of his career and all they can show in the highlights is the one dunk by a scrub on him.

Noah was playing pretty well all season last year (I went to some of our games) but didn't get much attention because Florida was under the radar. He shows great hustle, he's quick, has good handles for his size, is a good passer, and is just all-around great on the defensive end. For all the love Hayes gets (and appropriately) I would figure Rocket fans could appreciate those assets here. At WORST, I think he'll eventually be a solid starting role player. At worst, he'll still be better than Haslem (another Gator, and that's not a knock on Haslem either).

And don't sleep on Horford. He was in the shadow of Noah last year, but this year the NCAA will realize we have our own twin towers. Expect Horford to be drafted pretty high this year. Book it.

highfly

12-06-2006, 02:58 PM

Yi is the unknown factor in the US and that makes him pretty appealing, Jo is definitely more accomplished in higher level of competition. Jo will probably be a lottery pick given that he'll keep it up this year as well.
I think it would be good for Yi to play a year in Euroleague competition so he can measure how good he is at an intermediate level before giving the NBA a shot.
He didn't make this decision because he might risk his reputation by not being so dominant as in CBA. In addition he didn't do much in the recent WC's in Japan. Overall I think he deserves to be a first rounder in the draft but he can't be compared to Yao.

chow_yun_fat

12-11-2006, 04:03 PM

I hope Yi drops so we can scoop him up! I've been high on this kid for years.

hotballa

12-11-2006, 06:11 PM

I'll go with the proven commodity every time. Joaqim Noah is a winner form a big time college program, I'd rather take him than some tall skinny Chinese guy...oh wait.

No seriously, I really would take Noah over Yi, who seems to do a great impression of Stromile Swift in a Chinese body.

thumbs

12-12-2006, 01:34 PM

Heck, I'd like to see the Rocks draft Yi just to hear the chatter between Yao and Yi on the court. They would be able to tell each other where they were going without the opposition knowing, and they really diss the referees without penalty. ;)

MiniMing

12-12-2006, 03:52 PM

Noah is overrated..

rice

12-12-2006, 04:36 PM

they are all overrated,
but we won't get a high enough pick to get either of them
so the whole point is moot.

professorjay

12-13-2006, 12:19 AM

durvasa

12-13-2006, 02:00 PM

I haven't watched Joakim Noah nearly enough to form my own opinion on his game, but ESPN.com's David Thorpe (who's opinion I trust) thinks he's worthy of the Number 1 overall pick.

rn_xw

12-13-2006, 03:43 PM

professorjay

12-13-2006, 05:06 PM

well, in that way, the last center from China has become a superstar and is dominanting.

True, I'm not trying to discredit Yi. In fact I have nothing to base an opinion on him. I'm just trying to point out some facts for the people who think Noah is overrated.

HoopsFancy

12-14-2006, 07:56 AM

yi has the potential to ave 18 and 12 in this league.

rocketman1979

12-15-2006, 12:25 AM

OLDNEWS

12-15-2006, 09:53 AM

I don't know about Joakim Noah very much,but I can tell you Yi is excellent.
he is as athletic as swift,work hard in practice and have good basketball IQ.
I don't know if he will be as good as Yao,but I hope he can be a star player
in nba,at least.

Manun

12-16-2006, 04:11 AM

Just a reminder of the last 2 centers/power forwards from Florida: Udonis Haslem and David Lee. Both are solid starters today. I think both Noah and Harford look even better than these guys when they were still in college.
David Lee was a 2nd rounder and Haslem wasnt even picked.
If Noah and Harford goes to 2nd round or not picked then they are severly underrated like those guys, but now they are going top 5. Would u pick haslem or Lee in the top 10 if u had to redo the draft without knowing that they would be good players in NBA? ;)

professorjay

12-16-2006, 10:40 AM

David Lee was a 2nd rounder and Haslem wasnt even picked.
If Noah and Harford goes to 2nd round or not picked then they are severly underrated like those guys, but now they are going top 5. Would u pick haslem or Lee in the top 10 if u had to redo the draft without knowing that they would be good players in NBA? ;)

I'm not sure what you're getting at (I'm not being facetious), but of course not. I'm not picking Florida guys just because they're from Florida or trying to discredit Yi (on rereading, I still don't know what the point is :p ). But I would've definitely picked Haslem in the draft. Although it seems like no team had him on their radar, so if I was confident he would slip through the draft and I could pick him up in FA I wouldn't either. Obviously scouts don't watch most Gator games like myself so I can't say I'm surprised they were overlooked, especially since Florida had poor March Madness performances at the time.

I'm just speaking for the quality of power forwards/centers Florida has had recently for those that think Noah and Harford are overrated or bust bound.

Fegwu

12-16-2006, 11:46 PM

If both are available in the 2007 draft and all the other obvious choices (Greg Oden, OJ Mayo, etc.) are gone, which guy would you choose?

OJ Mayo is not elligible. I understand he is barely a HS senior or a junior now. Whichever, he is not going to be part of the 2007 class. Unless you meant to say 'Quan.

Didn't vote, where's the neither button?

My sentiments exactly. Just for the heck of it, I voted for the more intriguing prospect imho.

rocketman1979

12-17-2006, 11:39 PM

rocketman1979

12-22-2006, 12:04 AM

E Wizzle

01-02-2007, 10:44 PM

I'm impressed with Yi as an athlete. I'm not impressed with him as a basketball player. That's the most important thing he'll have to change if he's going to have a place in the league. Personally, I see him as a 7 foot Stromile Swift. Great athlete who's going to pick up some good performances by the merit of his physical ability alone, but he's going to follow it up with a string of performance that clearly show he doesn't understand the sport. I mean, if he's becoming lost at the defensive end in CBA games, I wonder what the NBA will hold for him. And his offensive arsenal is pretty limited.... mostly him driving on some scrub big in a league where Mengke Bateer is still an MVP caliber player. Obviously he has the body to become a much better player, but plenty of athletic freaks have failed. It'll be interesting to see if he develops the insane drive to improve like Yao did.

The international field of prospects is pretty dangerous to navigate. One drop of potential and suddenly a subpar prospect can be elevated to a position he doesn't belong. Like Sofoklis Schortsanitis and his title Baby Shaq. Please. At the very most, he's another Tractor Traylor with worse hands. These highlights look good, but watch his games and you'll see the holes in his game.

dfwrox

01-28-2007, 05:34 PM

There must be a way to once and for all settle the cloud over how old he exact is... If he is truely 19, his stock is going to shoot up. If he is 21, then he may be even out of lottery pick range.

Regarding the Swift/Yi comparison, I was probably the first one in this thread said so... but I think in one area he will defintely be much much much better than Swift -- he will defintely give 110% in practice. He will not want out of game just because some small injuries (a couple common knocks on Swift).