Saw the video of Olajuwon's conversation with Yao. Olajuwon says that Yao has alot of potential. Why not get Olajuwon to tutor Yao, even for a few months? Obviously, Olajuwon being a center himself, is a perfect tutor for Yao. Based on the interview, it looks like Olajuwon is able to see what Yao is missing. It also look like Olajuwon has opened a camp in the past to teach "big men" how to play the center position: 'In the 2006 NBA offseason, Olajuwon opened his first Big Man Camp, where he teaches young frontcourt players the finer points of playing in the post ... Olajuwon responded, "For a big man who is just big, maybe. But not if you play with speed, with agility. It will always be a big man's game if the big man plays the right way. On defense, the big man can rebound and block shots. On offense, he draws double-teams and creates opportunities. He can add so much, make it easier for the entire team."[39] Olajuwon has worked with power forward Emeka Okafor,[40] of the Charlotte Bobcats and several other NBA players.[41] He runs the camp for free, no money changes hands.[39]' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakeem_Olajuwon#Post-NBA_life Rokcet Zoom
You think someone taught Olajuwon or Mchale those crazy tricks? Yao is a different player. He isnt agile and powerful. Yao needs to figure it out for himself. The great ones do... Eventually the advice of the Ewings or Olajuwons will just hinder his personal development.
this topic comes up every single year but it never happens lets go for someone more realistic moses malone
Yeah, but Olajuwon in the interview looked like he wanted to help Yao out, especially when he personally approached Yao in the locker room. Actually, I think Yao should approach Olajuwon and ask him for help. After he gets over this, I would hope Yao is sensible enough to request some tutoring from Olajuwon. Rocket Zoom
No disrespect Ziggy, but anybody that plays sports knows that you can learn off of a variety of "useful" sources to improve your game. Getting advice from players that have excelled in the game will hardly hinder one's development, LOL. Rocket Zoom
If Hakeem wants to and Yao Ming wants to, then let them see what can be done. Before JVG Yao Ming was a very active player with lots of moves. It might take the departure of JVG and a liitle summer work with Hakeem to put Yao back on track.
you know what, the Yao in the playoffs was not the same one in the season! he changed, to be more softer, and kept shooting in one way - long-range jumper shoot he forgot his beautiful moves, his turn around, and his shot and that's why we lost our games, in my point of view
Its true. But when Yao was learning from Ewing I couldn't help but think it might restrict his game. Ewing couldn't pass, didn't use the pivot very often, and came from that predictable Georgetown molding. Yao isn't that kind of player. Im not convinced his time with Ewing was positive. Olajuwon's game in my eyes does not mimic Yao's in any way. As an inspirational speaker I am sure Olajuwon can help. But can he provide enough to Yao to warrant hiring the him?
There's nothing Ewing hasn't taught him. In the end Yao was tired and couldn't mobilize his body into doing what he usually does when he's dominant (Which is during the season when there's much less defensive pressure).
I completely agree! i always wondered how much help patrick was actually giving yao. when he left and yao put in more work with tom thibedou it seemed like he flourished. There hasnt been a player like yao in the nba before him so you cant go out and find a previous player that fits into yao mold of a player. Maybe kareem since he didnt really seem all that explosive but used his length and finesse to beat opponents down.
Hakeem was the leading shot blocker. Yao is a horrible shot blocker and defender. Boozer flew by him.
Yao's biggest problem is he's slow footed, which is a physical flaw. Dream can't correct that for him.
I always think of that but do Olajuwon willing to help after all those disputes from the past. Rockets done that before with Dream and Moses.
Damn I dont understand how people can even think that Olajuwon cant help Yao with his postup game. I mean Dream is one of the top 5 centres in NBA history and had probably the greatest arsenal or post moves. Olajuwon isnt stupid, im sure he wouldnt be trying to create a replica of himself in Yao, but show things that Yao could work on that could compliment his game.... Either way, it can only be positive... If Ewing can tutor Yao then Olajuwon has much more of a right to do so...
It doesnt matter Hakeem or Moses. The main problem is yao will forever has chinese national team commitment in the summer. He dont even has the time to rest his body what more about improving his skills!
Looks like my guess was right: "Yao & Hakeem? Rockets center Yao Ming said he has discussed working with former Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon in the offseason. 'It would be a great chance for me, if I can learn from him, one of the best centers in the NBA history, and particularly a legend for the Rockets,' Yao said. 'I would love to. I'm working on it.' http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl...kn/4783678.html Rocket Zoom
