Yao's offense is slowing down in recent games. I'd like to see Yao shoot outside more when he's at the high post. He's a good shooter. I say take a few, see if it's your day, and either keep taking them or pass it. I think he's waiting for his coaches to give him the green light. Right now he is only a single threat from there. I don't think I've seen him do anything but pass from that position. When he's in the left or right low block, I'd like to see him make his moves faster from time to time. The Quick Strike was something Hakeem used to employ. A quick turn around jumper or a quick hook will set up Yao's "McHale" moves. Also a lot of teams are fronting Yao. There are 2 things we can do. Swing the ball to the other side as Yao cuts across the lane for a better angle. I finally saw some of this last game, so I know the guys are working on it. I'd also like us to throw the lob pass SPONTANEOUSLY without a few fake passes letting the defense know what you are about to do. Fronting is very effective but we have a 7'6" weapon, let him go get it. He'll probably get fouled after that. I know Rudy often says that teams don't practice against fronting defenses and that's why we defend the post that way. I really hope we're practicing against it on offense though. Again if we're going to throw the lob, let's not be so deliberate. If the defense is catching on then we can start with all the fake passes or try something else.
Good post, I agree completely. The low post is so utterly predictable that not even Yao can continue to be successful against the zone. I really think we should set him up for spot shooting with the pick and roll or at the high post too.
I agree with you, it probably will take them some time to work out the new ways. Well, maybe it's not a bad thing for the media to cool off a bit on him due to his recent performance, that will take some pressure off him. Half a year later, we should be able to see the difference.
I think Yao should get some high post looks. He is a great passer and he could do some damage either passing or shooting from the high post.
The coaches already use Yao as a passer in the high post. I'd like to see him shoot a few more jumpers from that position
Boy that's a beautiful post, I agree completely. I like the point that you make about Ming making his moves faster it would serve him well. If you look at his game though in many ways it's predicated on what his teammates are doing. I don't think that he should be a focal point of the ofeense though, so in this way I think that things are already fine. We all know already though that some of the Rox will never be great passers, but again I totally agree that they should make a concerted effort in practicing the timing.
I have to agree. I haven't been able to see a lot of games but from the ones I have seen it seems that Yao could really benefit by making his moves quicker in the post and also facing the basket for some jump shots at the high post/elbow. With him being a good shooter in general I have to think you want him taking a decent amount of shots whether it is in the post or jump shots at the high post. I also think it is important for Yao to "get off" early in the game with points and rebounds. The games where he starts off hot and involved in the action early are the games where he has big games. Chris
What a friendly thread. I also agree, plus, Yao just doesn't have the strength right now to only try to score from the post. Until the Rockets can put more weight on his upper body, he should shoot more jumpers. He would still be one of the best shooters on the team.
I agree with all that has been said. They need to utilize his shooting talent more. Sometimes it seems like Rudy's just trying to tell the rest of the leauge, "See? He isn't just a jumpshooter!" I would like to see Yao think about what to do before he gets the ball. Assert himself to scoring more. He seems to get the ball in the post and THEN think about what move he should use. If he just got the ball and quickly shot a jumper or hook shot the defense would be more off-balance. Of course, he still has time.
I think he can hit the turnaround jumper from the high post fairly quickly. Changing his mindset will be hard but if can mix it up tonight he should do well.
Best post in a while. I would like to see him make the quick move sometimes, or at the very least attack the defensive without doing a couple 'fakes'. Maybe have him come across the middle for a quick hook shot like he's done a couple times the past few games. Let him take the 15 footer if his man isn't going to play him close. Just confuse the defensive constantly by changing up the set plays.
He should use that hookshot of his more. That shot I consider unblockable, and I very rarely see him miss. Let him cut across the paint, dish it in, let him turn and sky hook it if you will. That seems to be his sweet spot from there with that shot.
Also while I enjoy all the low post fakes and up and unders, I'd like to see him take it strong to his defenders. He doesn't necessarily have to dunk it, but atleast try to overpower his defenders every now again. It'd make those fakes much more efficient then they are now.
If I am the coach for the opposing team, I'll instruct whoever is guarding Yao to let him shoot 3 all day long. Yao shooting from trey will take away our offensive rebounding game and our low post presence. It's a tradeoff that most coaches in NBA will make in a heart beat.
I finally noticed something different about Yao's offense in tonight's game. Could it be the reason for his recent difficulties on offense? What I noticed is that before he goes up for a shot now, he is looking to make contact with his defender first. I guess all ballers use this technique inside to create space for themselves for the shot. However, I don't think Yao is used to doing this. Previously on his jumpshots, he didn't look to make as much contact as he does now, choosing instead to avoid contact by fading away. So it seems like he's changed his technique to initiate more contact on the defender first, and he just hasn't adjusted to it yet. If this is in fact true (has anyone else noticed?), why would he change his technique for getting a shot? Have defenders figured him out enough to take away the looks he was getting during his hot streak? Or has he been told (by Rudy or his teammates or somebody) that he needs to get more physical in his technique for getting a shot? If you ask me if it ain't broke, don't fix it, but that's just me. Any ideas?
I am quite sure that it has something to do Rudy T and company. One great thing about Yao is that he is really eager to learn. He has improved so much since his NBA debut, in aggressiveness, low-post game, footwork, hook shot. Teams are beginning to get very physical defending him. Yao must have asked coaches help to learn to be more physical in offense.
the 18ft jumper he made today against the Bucks will make teams harder to defend him. He should mix it with the low post game if defenders are physical with him. This will make his game unpredictable.
