I know Hakeem was a legend from houston and the fact that they play in the same position makes people want to remember Yao as hakeem. But given the choice, I'd rather have Jabbar train Yao over hakeem. I just don't think hakeem is the right teacher for Yao even though they both played for the same city in the same position. Hakeem is a dynamic player with a lot of agility. He's explosive, fast, and surprising. If we had a center who was built like that, it'd be great and I'd love to watch him play. However, Yao is not a player who's strength lies in agility. His strength lies in his finesse and gracefulness. Jabbar is an exact player who possesses these qualities. Jabbar would be a better teacher in teaching Yao the tricks of the game, how to react in situations, and tactics to score over opponents that players like Yao and Jabbar can easily execute execute. I'd hate to see Hakeem train yao, try to convert yao into an agility player, and confuse/destroy yao's game. His strength are in his finesse, don't make him scrap his game away and build a whole new game especially one he can't excel in. I love yao, but he'll never be as explosiveness as Hakeem. Effectiveness and dominance wise, he definetely could surpass Hakeem. If someone can pitch left handed, don't convert and make him work on his right handed game.
Completely disagree with you. Hakeem is the perfect teacher for Yao. Hakeem was the perfect combination of power, finesse, and agility. As great as he was, Kareem was no where near as multi-dimensional as Hakeem. I think in terms of footwork and post positioning, the Dream would be able to pass on some tips that will help Yao improve in both those areas which is exactly what he needs at this point.
If anything were to happen, they could work together and see exactly what could be beneficial, and what won't. Jabbar is an assistant with the Lakers, what chance would he come here anyway?
you're kidding right? yao has always loved hakeem. he has some moves that are very unique that came straight from hakeem. i have never seen anybody do them aside from those two. and kareem?! hasn't he tried being a coach or an assistant at different places and always been turned down until just last year w/ the lakers? plus the game for big men has changed drastically. it used to favor big men. during the days when kareem played and even hakeem a little. what could kareem teach yao that hakeem couldnt?
is there any conceivable chance Jabbar is coming to Houston to coach Yao? has there been any mention made that this is even a rumor? didnt think so. yao is gonna be a world beater no matter who trains the guy. Whoever jumps on the bandwagon as his personal trainer - should anyone - will just be there to bask in the big mans glory...j just like all of us!
In the original poster's defense, yes there has. Jabbar said he was interested. Happened sometime within the past year, I believe. Always check your info before talking down to somebody
jabbar has said he's interested in any NBA job, any time, anywhere for about the last decade plus...but he can't get one cause people think he's a jerk.
It was an article about 1.5 years ago where Jabbar expressed interest in teaching yao the skyhook. He said it would make Yao impossible to stop and offered to help him...
Oh you're right that he wants to...but down under rocket is right that there's no chance it's happening!
yao is already a 3rd of the way through his career. he has just entered his prime. there is no need for instructional coaching anymore. he is the player he is, and we just have to sit back and enjoy. hopefully we will win a ring or two...or three.
GrapeJuices, While I don't see it happening, I do see what you are saying. There are things Akeem did agility-wise that Yao's skill set just doesn't allow him to do. That being said, I think Akeem still has loads more to teach Yao that would fit more in his style of play. Hopefully the Dream won't try to impose that other unattainable aspect of his own game on Yao. By the way, Akeem owns Kareem
i get what you're saying here . . . but you're assuming that hakeem would try to force yao to play "hakeem's game." from listening to hakeem talk about yao, i don't see hakeem doing that if given the opportunity. jabbar has no more credentials than hakeem and while his style may be more similar to yao's, i see hakeem and yao bonding in a different way, and thus leading to yao learning more. skill wise, there's not much yao can learn. but he can improve the way he carries his mantle of leadership on and off the court. i think hakeem would be a great tutor for these things. both foreign, both adopted by houston, both humble, intelligent, articulate people... i think it would be an amazing thing to have hakeem help yao. and while ewing isn't my favorite guy, you have to give him credit... he did have an influence on yao's development. and yao has turned out great so far. but hakeem would take yao's mental game to a new level.
Jabbar has expressed interest in teaching Yao personally. Ewing's gone and Jabbar's not with the lakers anymore. You guys need to get off the opening poster. That said, I really don't care if Yao gets another mentor from this point on. Sure, it'd be nice if Hakeem taught him some of the finer points, but I'm sure Yao's getting it on his own.
Well, I guess I can come to an understanding of some of the stuff yall are saying. Now that I think about it, I think it's probaly better that no big man try to train yao. He already has all his weapons, he just needs to get better at using them effectively. I think JVG will be a good man to teach Yao the right mindset and tmac will make him stronger mentally.
I can think of two situations... one when Hakeem schooled Shaq.... and Shaq got Hakeem to show him what he was doing... Shaq went on to win Championships another when Wayne Gretzky played with Mario Lemuiex in a summit series with the Russians...Mario credited Wayne with showing him what it took to win... and Mario went on to win Championships...
i'd say yao's getting along just fine without either of those guys. too much seems to be made about some kind of personal tutor for yao to learn from. he's already gotten the message to dominate. just let him keep working with tom thibadeau and anthony falsone.
