To step away from the doom and gloom analysis of our Rockets for a moment and look at the most creative ways to get rid of our superstars or coach (neither of which is happening this season), here's a lighter and more fun topic. After reading Thorpe's Scouting Report on Dwight Howard stating that he is the best (or at least, the most dominant) centre, it allowed me to reflect on how our own big man stacks up. Is Yao's unofficial reign as the best centre in the league already over, a mere 1-2 seasons after he took it over from Shaq? Or is Howard just the flavour of the times right now? Both are certainly worthy players, and the way he's playing right now, the Magic big man certainly has a good case. So who's better? Dwight is clearly a better rebounder (likely the best in the league), more dominant on the defensive end, and more athletic. Yao is more offensively gifted, with the ability to shoot the midrange shot a lot more consistently, and is not only the best FT shooting centre, but is among the best in the league from the stripe. He also has more countermoves on the post. Dwight however is closing the gap fast on post moves, as he's becoming less of a raw project on offense. His passing out of double teams is still to be desired though, while Yao is a strong passer. At this moment, it's arguable, but Howard is only 22 and will only get better, whereas Yao is close to his peak and has only so much more room to improve. Who would you have rather right now? Azim da Dream
I like Dwight Howard and love talking about him, but do we really need another thread with the 8 or 9 already about him in the NBA forum?
I'm not that interested in the comparison, but I'd like to add that, while Dwight Howard can certainly fill up the defensive stat sheet (blocks per game, defensive rebounds per game) the facets of his non-statistically-verified defense—one-on-one and team defense (corralling, recognizing slips, fades, zipper cuts, et cetera)— and his ability to read offensive sets and developments, is remarkably average for a player of his incredible talent and athleticism. I suspect that will improve with time, but he hasn’t yet. (And I don't intend to trivialize the importance of blocked shots and especially the all-too-seldom considered facet of defense: the defensive rebound, both at which Howard excels.) More to the OPs post, Howard’s strengths are easily reduced to and reproduced by highlight reels. Yao’s, in this day and age, are not. As to who is better? I couldn’t care less.
There is at least 5 or 6 different Dwight Howard and Yao Ming threads in the Hangout. In fact there is one titled "Who is Better, Dwight or Yao." Man some people need to open their eyes around this place. On that note though, id take Howard cause he's a lot younger and more athletically gifted
It's nice for someone bring that up, since everything is not about being the highlight reel, everyone is acting like Howard is just a superior player this year...when in actuality their stats are pretty similar. And there's aspect of the game that cannot really be quantified.
Fans, especially Rockets fans, tend to look too far into Yao's flaws because we see him so much. Because we do not see Howard as much, we think of him as a God and so much better...it is not the case. In fact, both of these players have much of the same problems on both ends. On offense, both have a lot of trouble with being fronted, both are very TO prone, and both tend to make bad decisions. defensively both players rely on natural gifts to get their stats and be the players they are, but neither are great defensive players. The difference between the 2 is that Howard is playing in a structured system which is taking full advantage of him (very uptempo system with very good passers that know how to get him the ball for easy dunk), while Yao is still finding his niche in Adelman's system. But, Yao is a far more versatile offensive player with more touch on both the inside and outside, and is a far better FT shooter. I'd say rebounding and defense goes to Howard, but not by the landside people make it out to be. I'd say it is about even, with Howard possibly having the slight advantage.
Given a choice, who would a GM pick ... Howard or Yao. I suspect that 70% of GMs would pick Howard because of potential and presences.
Good Assessment. No, it's perfect. I am sure if they brought anyone into Houston, that the fans will find something negative, especially on this board. If we brought Nash, he heralded for a grand total of one week, after losing or two games, people will start criticizing him for his poor defense . If we brought Kobe, he would be criticized for his ball-hogging and taking to many shots, especially if the team starts losing, like the Lakers were during second half of the season. Howard is on fire right now, like K.G. was in November, but the Magic are silver armor and possible rise to dominance showing some cracks in it, sort of like last year....when they started the season with one of the best records in the league only to end up barely making the playoffs with losing record.
Did you see how he was taken completely out of the game last night by the Hawks? LOL! And do you know the strategy they used to take him out of the game? Foul him when he was close to dunking the ball..... Here are his numbers from yesterday's game against the Hawks: 42 4-7 0-0 6-14 1 18 1 5 2 2 5 14 Yes.... he is 100x better than Yao! Don't get me wrong, I love watching Howard play, but some people on here are dangling from his nuts like their lives depend on it!
yesterday, the hawks did this thing were they place a defender in front and behind him before receiving the ball He ended up with an amazing 14 points
Well he's still pretty young, I think even younger than when Yao first came into the league yet he's more experienced now. He will be better and if he can consistently put up his current numbers this season he IS better.
i wish yao could get 18 boards when he's completely taken out of the game...that's the difference that sets them apart. when yao can't score, he's no use. howard can always grab rebound and doesn't get burned by mismatches like chris humphries as badly as yao.
i will take howard, all day. yao looks offensively efficient just because the whole game plan was designed for him. while howard can make himself very efficient even without any guard passing to him. this guy is monster at rebounds. he can get himself a game. and i like his personality very much. you seldomly see (if ever) frustration from howard. he will be a super super star in very near future.
2 weeks ago i thought Yao is better. But now, I feel Dwight is a better player. Like some posters have pointed out in the other thread, even when Dwight was struggling for his shots, he still able to impact the game in another phase, i.e. rebounding like a monster and blocking shots like a mad man, just looked at yesterday magic vs hawks game as an example. Whereas our very own Yao Ming is also a mystery player. When he was aggressive, he will score, rebound and block shots like an elite player does. But when he struggled to score, the other phase of his game will suffer too, i.e. fumble with rebounds and lazy defense, is like he was uninterested to play at all. You never see yao has game like this 12pts 18rebs and 4blks! Whereas Dwight has had a lot !
It's easy to pick Howard now, while our team is struggling and at their lowest point in the past 3 or so years. However, when Yao is at the top of his game, he is a proven go-to offensive option that I feel better translates to playoff success. Yao is, or was, before this team collapse, reaching a level offensively that reminds me of the dream in that he can make unstoppable shots regardless of the defense. I'm talking about fadeaways and turnarounds that Dream used to make so consistently during the championship years, along with the strong hook to the middle. I'm not saying that he looks as good doing it, but there is no defense for shots like that when things are clicking. Unfortunately, Yao has to face different kinds of defenses with the new rules, and won't get good scoring opportunities if his teammates don't punish teams that play those defenses. That's a whole 'nother issue. Howard is the more dominant physical presence, but his touch offensively is not there yet. His freethrows are still a liability. He's like a smaller version of Shaq without the touch. When he gets hacked every time he tries to dunk it in the playoffs, will he make the shots? Will he get so many dunk opportunities when defenses clamp down? Will his offensive rebounding make up for all of those factors? I'm not necessarily saying I would take Yao in the playoffs this season over Dwight, but I don't think it's as clearcut as everyone seems to be saying. Yes, Yao is still unproven in the playoffs as well. But I have more confidence in dumping the ball in to Yao when we need a tough score in crunchtime compared to Dwight.
