It is weird seeing the three stripes running down their practice clothing. I know Adidas is taking over and all...but it might take a while to get use to it.
The back side of Yao's shoes looks lower than others. The "V" shape behind seems giving up protection of his ankles in lateral movements, I am not an expert so I would be glad if someone told me I am wrong here.
Good point... He looks like he can put on like another 50 lbs.. *shrugs* would this affect his shooting abilities??? if you look at a lot of the great pure shooters they were sticks too(e.g. reggie miller, ray allen)
I can't wait any more!!! Hope Yao will have a BIG season! It is said that the relationship between Yao and Reebok is getting worse and worse. Maybe next season, we will see Yao wearing Adidas
That is the way I see it as well in regards to Bonzi. It is in his best interested to come in as a reserve and become instant offense. This will also enhance his 6th of the man hype thereby helping his bottom line as well as our team - a win-win for all concerned. I'd be shocked if Bonzi did not start from the bench. Kirk is a great with Mac and Yao in the starting 5. A bench that has the following 5 as their 6 thru 10 in the rotation is formidable imho; Bonzi Hayes/Mut Head Howard Novski So with that, it looks like our first sub will likely be Bonzi in for either Kirk or Mac at about the 5th minute mark or 3rd. Indeed the team will technically still be in "experiment" mode even as late as early December (rotation wise).
Off topic, I know, but...I wonder how often Deke has had to look up at someone in his lifetime?? 'Cause you figure you does it nearly every day, since he's been with the Rockets!!
I dont understand how bonzi and yao couldnt mesh. Bonzi would patrol the same area that JHo did last year. Although Battier plays PF, he would probably ease out more towards the 3 point line to spread the floor. So just think of it like Shane and Bonzi are going to switch positions on offense. This makes the other teams PF get farther from the paint making it easier for Yao in the post. And if they decide to stick the PF on Bonzi, he will just blow by them every time. And if they are stupid enough to send the 2/3 guarding Bonzi to double team Yao, Yao will dump the ball to Bonzi creating an easy bucket. And this is all without even considering the matchup problems they will have with T-mac. The only way this does not work out is if JHo is in the starting line-up. Then we got other problems.
Yao looks good.. I still can't get over the fact his legs are like Tree trunks in comparison to the rest of the players.. And your right whats up with the V shape in the back of Yao's shoes? what about the ankle support?
don't worry about bonzi, he will earn a spot in the same way he needs to earnt that long term paycheck for next year. My only worry is that he'll pop too many shots, but hopefully van gundy has his role well explicated, and that that role provides enough incentitive for other teams to juice up a contract for wells. the only thing is that i can see bonzi putting up massive numbers late in the season instead of consistently throughout, kind of like last year - he seems kind of like the guy that wants to do just enough to get paid, but coming off the bench, i think he'll have to hustle harder to make a splash.
As far as ankle support, I would imagine that side support is far more important than the back. You can't really roll your ankle backwards, just sideways. Of course, this is just my non-expert opinion.
Remember, its not the five best players that are going to start, but T-Mac/Yao and the three best players that fit around them. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised to see JVG go with Snyder as the starter and Wells at the 6th man, but Wells ultimately end up with more playing time. I'd prefer to see him start though -- Yao/Battier/T-Mac/Wells/Alston is not only our best group of players but seems to have the best spacing imo. JVG already mentioned that he wants a shooter at the 4 when Wells is in the game so Bonzi can play post, and its rare not to see Battier at a corner on offense.
I just don't see how Bonzi's game translates into Jeff's sets while BOTH Yao and TMac are on the floor. I think Bonzi will be the 6th man, who plays most of his minutes with only 1 of the the big 2. PLUS, Bonzi's touches would be limited with the starting unit; and if we limit his touches, then we are not utilizing his potential. He could get the max amount of touches in the post and elbow, playing with the 2nd unit.
