This has obviously been discussed before, but I think the Rockets' play over the last couple of weeks has really shown the value of running the ball through our new big man. Even on the rare occasion when Yao is not shooting well (like tonight against Sac), he changes the dynamic of the game by simply receiving the ball in the post during a possession. In several games now, the other team has made a run only to be thwarted by the rockets coming to their head and going down low to Ming. Hakeem wasn't an idiot, and he knew what he as talking about when he said that the offense should flow through the center. Here are some reasons why it works particularly well with Yao: 1. He's unbelievably efficient. He doesn't waste time dribbling or backing in when it is not productive. He shoots when it is a high percentage shot and otherwise looks for a teammate. 2. His passing is unreal for a guy his size. It makes sense that he can see the court well from way up there, but few big guys can pass like him. He's particularly good at dishing to the guard who just fed him in the post on a give & go. His cross-court passes are a bit risky, but he generally does a great job finding the open man. Yao's special because he's like a point center. More important than his ability is his willingness to share the ball with his teammates. 3. He's drawing a crowd. 20 games into his rookie season, teams are already having to gear up for him with double teams. That should lead them right into our trap. Not only will we get wide open looks from outside, but it's also giving guys like Stevie and Cat more room to maneuver and the opportunity to get into the paint. It looks like the whole team is starting to buy into the game plan. That's gonna make this team a lotta fun to watch, and more importantly, a dangerous team to reckon with for a long time.
