EG is coming along nicely. He still needs to get a lot stronger and improve his footwork so he can add an up-and-under & drop step to counter defenders looking for the turnaround, as well as a little jump-hook or even a running hook (to his credit, Stoudamire already has a little half running hook). But I like the improved patience in the post, he's not panicking like last year and just shooting. He's gotten better at sealing and\or releasing when the defender over-plays, he moves so well without the ball. And he's a very underrated passer, the pass to Tierre (if I remember correctly) was beautiful. We all know about his rebounding and shot-blocking talent. I think by the end of the season we'll see a very well-rounded young big man in Griffin.
if yao is lives up to the hype, we may have two eddies, except yao has a better offencive game, and he's about 6-7 inches taller.
Yeah, Eddie is coming along nicely. Nice to see him actually calling for the ball this year. Post moves like the up and under, and a variation of the hook-shot will eventually be available to Eddie's arsenal. Now, if he only increase his ball handling skills enough to be able to drive to the basket after a pump fake...........
Griffin had a lot of suns shots in the paint that was change because of his presence, EG really knows how to defend the last line!
Griffin likes comming from the weak side for blocks. I think that 7-6 monster we will have under the basket is going to draw the attention of anyone who attempts to go to the basket. Thinking, "How am I going to juke this monster?" as they go up. Next thing the know Ming smiles and EG throws that weak a#* meat into the stands.
Shot Caller, I agree that Eddie and Yao are going to be a wall on defense. They will compliment each other nicely. So many weapons. The Rockets are going to have a field day this season.
You're right, we have a butt load of weapons. I can't wait to see how we place all the puzzles together. Our offense and defense are going to be awesome i can't wait. Francis,Mobley,Griffin,Rice,Taylor,Ming,Nachbar,Kenny,T-Mo,Cato, etc... They have great skills and I can't wait till Rudy use each players at their best. This season is going to be FUN!
Ming and Griffin: The Defense Shield. Griffin proved a lot last night by coming back strong in that third quarter. After shooting 1-11 he could have crawled in his cave and called it a night but he kept stroking the J and when Googs disrespected his abilities by playing off him he made Googs pay. Griffin just seems to have that special something about him when hes playing basketball. Everything seems so smooth and effortless with him. Doesn't seem like he ever breaks a sweat. If theres ever such a thing as "The Natural" in basketball he may very well be it.
Yeah, I remember something about McDyess's leaping ability. Are you sure it was 48? But I as I recall, it was more like 42 inches (a few years back). 48 would put him in same league as Jordan and Webb (50+). And at 6'10" would put in around the top part of the backboard.
I had to bring this up, seeing as how you were talking about leaping ability. Did you ever see the article and the picture of Clyde dunking on a 12' goal?
I could not have said this better. I wasn't sure if Griffin was the higest jumper when I wrote my first post. But there's just something about the "way he jumps" that makes you think "how in the heck did he swat that ball?!" Does anyone remember how Denis Rodman used to jump 2 1/2 times before the *other guy* would jump ONCE?! Shawn Marion, has this same quick jumping skill. A human pogo-stick. Griffin has these same skills. It's a sight to see.
Well, Clyde was what 6'7"? If thats so, and the top of his reach standing flat footed is say ..........96" (adding 29" for the length of his arms minus the lenght of his head) .........and the goal was 144" .....then that actually would be a only 48" verticle to just touch the rim. With his hand over the rim to dunk it, that would be well over 50" ...WOW!!!!!!! Spud Webb's verticle was only like 40". I think Steve's was in the 40" range too. I'm trying to find a picture of that Clyde dunk on the net as we speak.
