From ESPN.COM: <<Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich has extended a formal invitation to Hakeem Olajuwon to visit practice for some one-on-one tutoring/sparring with Yao Ming. Dream, though, has resisted so far, citing the fact that he remains on the roster of the Toronto Raptors. Insurance is covering 80 percent of Olajuwon's $5.7 million salary but the Raptors haven't ruled out throwing Dream's contract into a trade. Because the deal expires after next season, and because insurance covers that 80 percent as a result of Dream's career-ending back injury, someone out there might be willing to accept the contract if Toronto is willing to take on a longer contract in return.>> I don' t really know the in's and out of contracts and trades and all those rules. Does this means that Hakeem would be in violation of some rule if he tutors Yao?
Full Story. I somehow managed to royally screw up the previous one: Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich has extended a formal invitation to Hakeem Olajuwon to visit practice for some one-on-one tutoring/sparring with Yao Ming. Dream, though, has resisted so far, citing the fact that he remains on the roster of the Toronto Raptors. Insurance is covering 80 percent of Olajuwon's $5.7 million salary but the Raptors haven't ruled out throwing Dream's contract into a trade. Because the deal expires after next season, and because insurance covers that 80 percent as a result of Dream's career-ending back injury, someone out there might be willing to accept the contract if Toronto is willing to take on a longer contract in return.
So send Taylor to the Raps for deama and Chris Jefferies or some other prospect. A geat deal if you ask me. Addition by subtraction and an ending contract two years early.
I am certain it would be illegal 'in season'. It would smell, frankly. If it is a good idea then Rudy should acquire Hakeem, and MoT for him as part of a salary equating deal sounds good. If Rox did do this could they get an injury exception for The Dream?
MoT for Dream's contract? I don't know. I'd have to be pretty sure we can pickup someone to play backup PF. I doubt they would though. They won't make the playoffs, and cap space is a much better option when your star's career may be over.
Who? Raps or Rox? Raps need players, lots of healthy players. Raps probably need to package the huge AD contract for younger bodies.
.....lol....this was talked about before. But Yao can never be like Hakeem. I would like Alonzo Mourning or Moses Malone or Rik Smits to come and tutor him.
Honestly I would much rather have Kareem or Bill Walton or Sabonis or Robert Parrish (or maybe even Charles Barkley) provide some private tutoring to Yao. Hakeem's game was based on unparalelled coordination and quickness for a guy with his strength and height--it wasn't based on things perhaps more teachable like savvy, leverage/body positioning, or a sublime understanding of the game/floor spacing.
Lets get this straight Hakeem is not a good communicator! Malone is a mind unto himself. That leaves Jabbar, Sampson and Walton. These three would have the best feel for the way Yao Ming plays,besides Hakeem and Moses were power athletes, quite a different way of playing.
Rick Smits??! Dont we want Yao to become better than Rik Smits. That would be like playing DOWN to the competition. Hakeem would be a good teacher to Yao, in regard to defense and post up moves.
Not to mention footwork, INDIVIDUAL defense, passing from the post and insights into playing individuals, (Shaq) and types of players and defensive schemes. He learned from Malone, he can teach Yao. Practicing and picking the brain of one of the top centers of all time is good. No matter which one. Hakeem can teach this guy alot.
Bill Walton had a great finesse - passing game. It would be similar to how Yao may develop. I know Walton is an idiot commentator, but he is a "rainman" like big man- this would work if Walton was willing. Walton would probably tutor Yao - that Zen like -stoner - Grateful Dead mentality is generous by nature.
