Not sure if this deserved it's own thread, but ... I was looking at Yao's page at B-R.com where it shows which players historically had the most "similar" season to him (statistically) at the same age. For this past season (age 25), Yao's most similar player was Hakeem Olajuwon! Just thought that was interesting ... http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mingya01.html
I've always likened him to a Younger version of his father. and a bit like his mother. But thats what my researching has turned up so far. I will get back to this thread as soon as me and my fellow scientists try to deciper the age old question, "Who's Yao most similar to?" A most perplexing conundrum
Sounded pretty silly at first. Dream came into the league and averaged a double double. I just pulled up some year-by-year stats from that site, though, and here's something to chew on . . . Dream never improved 1.8 RPG between years. Dream didn't improve 4 PPG until his 9th year in the league. Yao has already done that twice. Is Yao REALLY comparable to Dream at this point? I say, "No!" But clearly his improvement while in the League is VERY impressive. If he kept this trend up, could he truly compare to Dream? Considering how more guard-friendly (or BigMan-unfriendly) the league is now, I think you have to say, "Yeah, it's possible." Looking forward to next season . . . now back to some SAC-SA OT!
Interesting stuff. But I've said this before though Dream's stats. were damned impressive they never did him justice. And for a guy who cared a great deal about his stats. for at least the first 8 years of his career that was probably maddening to him: "4 blocks? I had 5 in the first quarter!" As to Yao I still think the only guy I can compare his game to is Walton. Yeah, I know the Deadhead has been griping for 3 years about JVG, and it is because of the similarities he's always seen between he and Yao. The thing about Yao is that I believe it's easy to scout him and ascribe any deficiency you occasionally see, but he can and often does defy his weaknesses. That he does have in common with Dream.
The dream comparisons are somewhat legit. Dream's footwork was out of this world. his turn around jump shot is pretty equal with yao. but the dream shake was where dream made his name. in the low post dream had noone equal. yao however is a better shooter and a much better passer then the dream. at this point, you still have to say the dream, but i expect when it's retirement time for yao, he will be spoken in the same breath as the dream.rocket fans have been truly blessed with extraordinary big man over the years.
Definitely Bill Walton. Smart intelligent player with good shooting and passing skills similar to Yao. Also both of them are not the most athletic or quick for a center like a Dream or a Shaq. Neither possesses much athleticism, but get by on guile and finesse.
I also think its funny that the year after JVG brought Ewing here to tutor Yao, his most similar player became Patrick Ewing.
All these posters on the board saying Yao Ming will be on the level of Olajuwon is dreaming. Not only is it unfair to compare Yao to Dream, but Yao doesn't possess the quickness nor athleticism to make it to the level of a Shaq/Kareem/Olajuwon. Yao is the next Bill Walton version 2.0--a better version and more complete version of Walton. At the end of his career, Yao will be at the Robinson/Ewing/Walton level, which is nothing to be ashmamed of. He's a great player who's only going to get better as he matures into his prime years.
At age 39 Jordan is closest to Malone. Statistical analysis is weak. Good luck with all that Daryl Morey.
Big Gheorghe Muresan. They are similar height. They both increased their production from one season to the next. If I am not mistaken, Big Gheorghe even won the Most IMproved player award one year. Big Gheorghe has a very good hook shot and turn around jumper close to basket. Very similar to Yao's pet moves. They both played with Juwan HOward. They both made a movie. They are both from outside of USA. They are both male, have parents... the similarity is endless.
At age 39, Michael Jordan's closest statistical comparison (to fellow 39-year olds) was Karl Malone. Doesn't mean he played like Karl Malone. Doesn't mean he acted like Karl Malone. Doesn't mean anything more than, at age 39, Michael Jordan's closest statistical comparison (to fellow 39-year olds) was Karl Malone. Pithy, dismissive, poorly-reasoned and close-minded "analysis" is also weak, Ziggy.
Bill Walton minus Mary Jane. Or Kareem Abdul Jabbar plus leadership skills and personality. Or Hakeem minus some quickness plus some height minus some hops plus some aw screw it Bill Russell on defense plus Wilt Chamberlain on offense.
A little harsh for such an unserious thread. I was just having some fun. I guess if you write internet articles you have to be Captain Serious 24/7.
