Of course in THAT situation, he couldn't, but in real life he can block Yao. I think Yao said he got blocked 2 or 3 times the other day, probably by Eddie or Cato I'd assume. I think Shaq could reject any shot Yao puts up that he shouldn't. Now, will he block a lot of his shots? I say no.
I think that he could only block him in a situation where he would be off-balance or something to that affect. Any who I can not see it happening in any other situation.
In the specific situation from that picture, Shaq clearly fouled Duncan on the wrist, but it was not called, and the game was over. If the game is in LA, Shaq could probably bodyslam Ming to the floor without a whistle being blown, and thus "technically" he would get credit for a block.
Everybody knows that when the Rockets play the Lakers, Shaq is going to be a little p***y and only try to dunk on Yao. He knows that if he tries a hook shot or short jumper, Yao will block him. Also, another reason he is only going to dunk is to try to put an elbow into Ming. To answer the question of this thread, Shaq might be able to block the shot, depending on timing, etc.
Probably not because Shaq only plays defense about 5% of the time. He usually just stands in the paint and waits for a rebound.
Some folks need to spend more time watching NBA games and less time on the internet. The last game Shaq played against the Spurs(game 5 playoffs), he blocked Duncan 4 times in the 2nd half alone and 1 time in the 1st half. It is not unconceivable that he can block Ming.
