This is something to be concerned about. JVG has still not found a way to play when Yao's out (resting). http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/4420151.html Staying power By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle As much as Yao Ming has improved his stamina, Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said he did not want to play him as much as he has (averaging 40.2 minutes in the first four games of the road trip). Van Gundy said Yao has improved over the years from playing well from 28, to 32 to 34, to between 36 and 38 minutes. But Van Gundy said he has stretched Yao's minutes because of the team's struggles when Yao is off the floor. "Even if he's tired, even if he's worn out, he's still our best chance to win right now," Van Gundy said. "Overall, it would be best for him to be fresh, but we haven't found a way to play when he's out. "I do think his conditioning is better. "There's times in certain games you can see him dragging. I think his recovery time is quicker. I don't necessarily think he can play longer stretches, but I don't think he has to sit as long, which to me, is critical."
Feigan's original title for this article was shot down by the Houston Chronicle's editors: Van Gundy: Me Love Yao Long Time.
jvg was basically saying he does not know how to coach offense, except for giving the ball to yao, or tmac if he's available.
I think you are right. It's about time for the bonzi experiment to come into full bloom. The team needs to be instructed to invole Bonzi more when Yao is out. At present the guards are trying to be the savior of the team and they need to involve more players. Bonzi needs to be the main scorer when he is on the court without Yao. He looks like he is getting fit and ready to take over soon.
It's not like that COACH doesn't want to play B.Wells. He is still rusty and just can't get everybody's expectation.
Wells seems to still be knocking off the rust. He shows promise but 2-10 does not exactly show he is ready.
I would like to see Wells more in the left high post with the ability to post up or drive. That would play to his skillset. He is very effective there. And when Yao is not in the game, there is no reason Wells should not occupy this area. Instead I am seeing a lot of Wells in the corners taking 19ft jumpers. That's on JVG for not using Wells to his strengths.
We don't seem to utilize the high post much at all in our offense when McGrady isn't around. That's traditionally considered a highly strategic area in a sound offense, analogous to the center squares in chess. I think that would be an idea spot to station Wells considering he has quick moves going to the basket, has a decent midrange game, and he's a pretty good pasesr.
Yao works hard on his conditioning during the summers. I have read reports here and on other sites about the track work he and Falsone execute during the summer months in China and here locally. So I feel that he is about as prepared and trained to play extended minutes in games as anyone. But, no player of his size should be averaging 40 minutes no matter how well conditioned they are. The wear and tear will eventually wear a big man down and that is what is going to happen if VG doesn't get some help for Yao in the form of scoring support and quality backup help. Everyone seems to forget that Yao broke his foot in April and while he appears to be healthy (and I'm sure he is) management of minutes is an important factor especially in the initial season following an injury like that. Wear and tear. I am a little surprised that VG has totally ignored the fact that Yao had that injury only 8 months ago.
