GATER- point taken about high post vs. low post. You've seen more of him than I have; I've only gotten to watch internet highlights and not whole games. I imagine (and this is of course speculation) that he'll be used in the high post at least to start with, because he can really utilize his passing skills from there, his jumper is money from there, and he'll drag out the big man opening up the paint to the deadly penetrating abilities of our guards. I think he'd be a remarkable fit in our new offense for these reasons. However speaking just in terms of a go-to guy with a go-to play, let's speculate some more. Let's say he doesn't shoot as well in the NBA as he has in other international competition. (Better defenders, but he won't be double/triple teamed every possession. We'll see.) Let's say he shoots a mere %60- very poor for him. Now, if his remarkably strong trunk allows him to bang and keep position, and the hook and turnaround and spin and fadeaway are all there etc. etc., then goodness why not give the guy a clearout in the lowpost. In single coverage his 7'5" body pulling those moves six feet from the basket... man, that's such a high percentage possession it's not even funny. I agree, each player has a talent and skill set that best suits them in particular areas- maybe he will be more comfortable further out, maybe he wants to be able to see the floor, etc. But I don't think that's determined yet. Rudy has said at least three times in different interviews that his best plays with Ming aren't written yet. He's staying open to see how he operates, how to best utilize him. Who knows what kind of player he truly is? Man, I'm so excited for this season! Damn!
Nolen - Points that may get overlooked in Yao Ming at the high post: 1) There is almost no one who can obstruct Yao's view for passing. 2) Glen Rice (when healthy) is still a good postup player. 3) From the PF position, Mo Taylor and Kenny Thomas have the potential to set weak side picks for Francis or Mobely going to the hoop. 4) IMHO, it is very difficult to double team Yao in the high post. It leaves the defense vulnerable when the offensive player who was left unguarded moves to the rim. 5) The plays that I have seen by the Chinese NT start Yao Ming high and then as the play progresses, he moves in closer to the basket. 6) Yao's shooting range makes a high post PNR difficult to defend. The defense will have to honor both Yao's shot and Cat and Steve's ability to "dive" to the hoop. For a more detailed explanation, you may want to do a search for some of the posts by heypartner using the terms "UCLA", "shuffle cut" or "high post" His explanations are better than my list of expectations. Maybe it got overlooked in my exchanges with codell but it's not the case that I think Yao Ming does not have some low post game. I just don't think it plays to his strong suit. Another problem that will need to be overcome is the low post entry pass. With the exception of Glen Rice, I don't feel that any of the Rockets are very good at the low post entry pass (remember the problems they had getting the ball to Olajuwon in good position?). IMHO, it is not enough for Yao Ming to learn the classic low post style, but other members of the team will need to learn it as well. This is why I prefer the high post because it plays into everyones strengths and allows the team to build on their successes. Couldn't have said it any better.
