In part, it is tough on centres this season mainly because team defensively exploit the zone defence now. They tend to double and trible good centres like O'Neal and Yao. You can tell from the following stat for this season, Yao is not too far off from O'Neal. In particular, O'Neal was surrounded with all-stars while Yao had to fight for his touches. YAO PPG 17.0 RPG 9.7 APG 1.9 SPG .38 BPG 2.19 FG% .485 FT% .766 3P% .000 MPG 34.1 S O'Neal PPG 20.1 RPG 10.5 APG 2.7 SPG .33 BPG 2.27 FG% .547 FT% .500 3P% .000 MPG 34.1
Agreed. It's definitely the fault of both parties. Yao needs to be more agressive and more decisive. The other players need to move more and faster to get open. They (especially the 3 point shooters - e.g. piatkowski) also need to stay on the same side of him when he gets swarmed, to make it easier for him to pass out. Too often Piatkowski is standing on the opposite side of Yao, and when Yao is doubled or tripled, there's no way in hell he can get the ball to Piat.
Vlade is a great example of how Yao's passing ability should be utilized. Vlade and Yao both have the passing skill and the knack for creative and amazing passes to cutting players. But what I imagine is a situation more like the Lakers. Where in which Shaq utilizes the ability of the center position to be the main outlet for passing. Sometimes he works the two-man game with Kobe one the perimeter; with the option of punishing the double team where in which Kobe stays on the perimeter virtually right in front of Shaq. By doing this, O'Neal can get position without the double team. And if Kobe's defender trys to double down then Shaq passes the ball right back to an open Kobe. There are so many options that can be done. I just don't think we have the right players in place to fully showcase what Yao brings to the table. With Yao Ming on our team, we should contend for the title year in and year out.
I've heard the "Rox should implement the King's offense" argument a lot lately, and I've even defended it and said that it would indeed be a definite upgrade over Gundyball. However, I was thinking about it a little more, and we would definitely have to overhaul the roster. In order for the King's offense to work, they need at least 2 passing players in the post (Vlade, CWebb/Miller). The Rockets do not have that in Cato/MoT, although it could be argued that JJ could play the high post and Yao the low post. Even then, our perimeter players do not shoot at the rate that Peja, Christie, and Bibby do. I think another system needs to be implemented to maximize Yao's skills (his passing, court vision in the post, etc) while minimizing his weaknesses (fighting for position in the post or for the board doesn't seem to be his strong point, weak hands, etc). I think a mixed version of the Kings/Jazz system would be a good fit for the Rox. Just my .02
I don't think it is fair to attribute the Rockets lack of an offense to JVG. Until we bring in some the players that understand how the game is to be played, to surround Yao, it will be like trying to fit the square peg in the round hole. No matter what you do, "it ain't gonna fit." I think the fans are tired of it, and I think the the lack of attendance can be directly attributed to the players (excluding Yao) and their uninspiring play. If Yao is utilized properly, it would be some show to watch!
yeah, Yao's about to get kicked to the curb. remember JVG said the toyota center doors swing both ways,,, and Yao is not above being booted out the damn door if he doesnt kick his ass in high gear.
Yao needs a big three that can feed him the rock/score on the return to play with. It's a big waste of time to have Cat Mobely out there gumming up the works, esp with Steve Francis set on the same side as Yao. Stupid stupid stupid! Who's team is this! Seperate Steve and Yao, option a and option b! Hell yeah Yao needs some support! Damn, he's frozen out by his own team. What kind of crap is that? Send Cat to Siberia now, and pack Steve's bags for next year when his BYC expires.Good God, if a Golden State can get rid itself of Antawn Jamison to develop Dunleavy and Murphy, surely we can dump a loser like Cat Mobely.
The strange thing is you are so right and I often wonder does the Coach see this fact. Not only on the Offencive side but also on the defencive side also. If you go back to the winning games at the end of the preseason you can see exactly what the Game Plan was on both ends of the court. Why then in the regular season didnt they keep playing the same execution of the Game Plan? The answer of course eludes me.
Yao needs to learn how to bang with the big boys if he's gonna be a dominant center in this league. It's that simple. No one really respects centers who 'spread the floor' with their outside shots. Play strong down low. Once Yao proves he can play strong down low, look out.
He looks and wants to pass first everytime he gets the ball, next time watch when he gets the ball and everybody stands still and watch him shoot. Have you notice everytime Yao misses, nobody ever gets offensive rebounds for him.
Yao Ming is in his 2nd year and had a long way to develop when he got here last season. We like to throw his name out with Shaq, Kareem and Dream, but he is Yao and he will make his own name. I think he will become a much better player in another couple years, depending on the coaching and teammates. Right now he is a very good center and I wouldn't trade him for anyone else at his position. He is still developing the strength, physical game and stamina to become great. He also is learning the other players and defenses that the NBA can throw at you. Yao cannot carry us yet, but of all the players on the team he definately is the only one who creates a mismatch when not double teamed. And he has improved from last year up to anyones reasonable expectations. Just give him some more time and a good supporting cast, there will be no regrets.
If you are waiting on Yao to become Shaquille O'Neal, then I wouldn't suggest that your start holding your breath. With the tangibles that Yao possesses, he, in many respects, can be equally if not more dominant than Shaq. He needs to be surrounded with the right players to strengthen his game. Square peg, round hole.
The biggest issue with running a movement based offense for the rockets is that the current crop of players don't seem well schooled in the intricacies in setting picks and making strong cuts, i figure that is something they should have learned in middle school but seeing as though they didn't i think a training camp focused on cuts/picks is really necessary to make them efficient in using them.
It is for this reason that if we so happen to miss the playoffs again, expect a major roster overhaul. Major, meaning, everyone under 7'5" is subject to trade.
