Yao has always been slow, but watching him lately and in the olympics he looks quicker, he even dunked home a pass from the top of the arc, and grabbed boards like crazy today. I know its just a pre-season game but 17 rebounds in 3 quarters is pretty good
Yao looked particularly lively against the Thunder. Much more so than he did in previous preseason games. Not just with the dunks, but also the rebounding and post moves. I suspect that the Thunder's lackluster interior defense gave him extra confidence. Has Yao had good games against the Sonics in recent years? I think probably so.
He moves more fluidly. Especially with the ball. But he doesn't look nearly as quick as he did last season at this time. Last year he was moving his feet, beating the defender to his spot, it looked goofy. About 2 weeks later he was worn down and we never saw that kind of activity again. Am I the only one who remembers that? Am I crazy? I am sure his slimmer physique helps. Also, he looks more confident. Bitter, like he has something to prove. The Olympics turned Yao into Vader. Welcome to the Dark Side.
Even an NBA center is quicker than a guard who's playing outside NBA.No wonder that yao seemed much quicker than his CNBT's teammates and other FIBAers who have no NBA experience. I mean, NBA players are too good to be a little bit slower than unNBA players. Another reason for yao's improvement in quickness and speed may be his loss in weight, you know, yao had got little time to rest in the summer and it's reasonable that yao's body weight has decreased a little bit. I don't think it's a good news because the less bod fat means the more posobility to get his bones fractured. with less fot to protect his bone, yao has to be times more careful in the upcoming season.
Actually, I think the opposite is true. The less weight Yao has, the less stress he's putting on his feet. Yao's injuries have been to his legs and feet, and his legs aren't exactly lacking in bulk. He practically has tree trunks for legs, so I don't think that's the issue. From a health standpoint, I think losing weight has to be considered a positive.
he's getting used to the NBA speed again. That's why he hasn't been missing any pre-season games. he's 100% healthy but he hasn't been accustomed to game shape yet.
I look pretty good in Thunder's game....the best i seen him so far. I would say he's ALMOST back to his normal dominant self.
Looks the same to me but the game tonight he was looking dominant again. Grabbing boards at will, unstoppable on offense. Maybe it was just the Bobcats but I think Yao looks good to go.
in short, yao is quicker than usual... hope this translates to more games played in the regular season
He looked pretty good to be sure... but I cringe every time I see him speed down the court and come to a stop in the post and you can actually hear his feet slamming into the court as he slows down and stops... I'm praying he can remain healthy...
