I can't help but feel that the Rockets have FINALLY destroyed the small-ball approach on Yao. He's consistently dominated outsized teams in Miami, Denver and Golden State. This is one thing I think Adelman has done very well; getting Yao in good post position despite zones, doubles and fronting. His pick and rolls with other players off-the-ball have allowed Yao to get free. And once he's down low, he's demonstrated that he's unstoppable. It used to be that teams like the Suns or the Warriors would be absolute nightmares for Yao...now they've become his favorite teams to feast on. so props where props are due.
The Golden State announcers were saying they thought he does a better job on posting up and then switching sides and reposting. They thought it was something Rick had "added" to Yao's game.
I agree..His struggles against the smaller quicker teams are over. I think alot of that has to do with Scola and Landry because teams used to double yao off of chuck hayes before he got he ball and chuck obviously could not make them pay. Luis and carl have really improved their midrange game since theyve been here and that has forced teams to remain honest and that opens up the inside for yao.
Well.. just wanted to point out that it was Al Harrington who gave Yao all the "fronting" problems when they played the Warriors in the past few seasons.. but that's no longer a problem since the Warriors traded Al...
Yao was effective last year against Golden State and this year against New York with Al Harrington in the rotation. It's no longer a problem because of Adelman's system.
