Yao ming has been dominating in the last two games. Rudy will have to call his number offensively in the future games. From what I saw, Rice and Hawkins are quite happy with this kind of inside-out games. They got more touches and made solid contributions. EG and MoT are ok with Ming centered offense. But Francis and KT seemed a little lost. We need Francis to win games and get into playoff. I guess now it is up to Rudy to get all these offensive schemes meshed together to have a real great team chemistry.
This really represents a fundamental change in how the Rockets will play on the floor and it will look awkward at times. When a guy comes in like this, it is important to get him the ball and to move the ball around, but it also means that other players will need time to adjust to the game as it is being played. Francis did a good job tonight of distributing the ball and taking open shots. KT also looked better tonight. Some guys are just used to playing with a big man. Taylor, Hawkins and Rice just seem really comfortable with Yao at the moment. A big factor is that those three guys have been playing with Yao on the second team squad in practices. They know his game a little better as a result. Griffin is improving and as he learns where Yao moves on the floor, those two will be a dominant defensive tandem because one will go after the shot while the other can rebound. Olajuwon never even had that option. I just think this will take some adjusting. The awkward shots we've seen the past couple of nights are indicative of a team learning how to adapt to a new dominant player. They have to learn where to get him the ball, where to go once they do, when he passes, when he dives to the basket, how he likes to set up defensively - everything.
I'm worried that there might be a clash of egos or something. We have such depth in all positions, it will be hard to find minuets for everyone. Do you all think this could lead to dissention among the ranks? I would really hate to see something like that break up this potentially incredible team.
I don't see that happening. In the 4th quarter Yao Ming passed up several shots that he was taking in the 1st half in order to kick the ball back out to the guards. 1. Steve has run the give and go on the baseline with Yao Ming now two nights in a row, one ended with a highlight slam and the other ended at the free throw line. 2. Eddie almost never gets assists but in the last two games where he has played a ton of minutes with Yao Ming he had 4 asssists against Dallas and 3 assists against Washington. One of his assists last night was a beautifull ally oop to Yao Ming. 3. With the defense collapsing on Yao Ming everytime he gets the ball it really creates a ton of space between the other Rockets and their defenders. I think this is one reason why Rice's outside shot has started dropping the last two games. 4. As a team we have only been averaging about 16 assissts a game. With Yao Ming playing major minutes the last two games we are getting about 21 assists a game. 5. As our own players see Yao Mings willingness to pass the ball like he did in the 4th quarter against the Wizards they will be more eager to cut to the basket hopping to receive one of his passes for a 5 foot shot or a dunk. This is an exciting time to be a Rockets fan right now. Very rarely does a fan get to watch a player of this magnitude grow on their team.
a lineup of Francis, Cat, Hawkins, MoT/Griffin, Yao Ming will be really good. Cat can be the shooter whenever Ming is double team. Francis the slasher and playmaker. MoT/Griffin can draw the opponent 4 out and create more space inside for either Ming/Francis to score. Hawks, well, his shooting depends on how hot he gets, when he is hot, like in the Wiz game, feed him..... but on the defensive end, he is a gem to use. I am really excited about this team now!!! Hope they can make the playoff (which I think they will) and make a run at the championship in the near future!!! GO ROCKS!!!!
