Most turnovers when passing to Yao can be avoided by throwing the ball higher so the defenders can not poke it away, I just cannot understand why it is so hard for Yao's teammates to do that, seems they still don't know how to pass to Yao.
The first obstacle was Francis and Mobley weren't used to passing it to anyone. The second obstacle is that most NBA players don't have much practice at throwing to a 7'6" target. On a more serious note, there are so very few true back to the basket low post players in today's game, good post entry passing is a lost art.
it's not just throwing it high, it's throwing with zip and as soon as he has position. also, yao is most effective when he makes his move quickly instead of doing his barkley imitation.
In addition to this, their passing timing is way OFF that is why defense always wins. Francis and Mobley still are hesintant to give the ball to Yao unless JVG yells for a post up play.
Mark Jackson does a good job at getting the ball to Yao. JJ and Pike are also very good. Boki, when he plays, does a surprisingly good job at feeding the big guy. The key is position, patients and a high lob. Being isolated makes it a lot easier. If you are isolated it makes it easier to get in position and wait for your center to get into position. The problem Steve and Cat have is that when they are isolated, because of their speed, they are more apt to drive to the basket then wait for Yao to get in position.
