5 Things that Yao need to do (to help Rockets win games) 1. Draw Plays Yao should draw up more plays himself for Rudy T. Rudy T. is a fine coach, but not creative enough. His plays for Yao are just too few and simples, easily anticipated by other teams. 2. Inside Out Yao should take charge in developing ‘Inside-Out’ game plan early in the game. Yao should not try to shoot the ball early but pass the ball out instead. Otherwise this game plan will never develop. He also should learn to yell to his teammates to move their A$$ quick, not just standing waiting for the ball. 3. In Charge Yao should take charge of the game whenever Rox leads by 8 points. If not, the guards will keep shooting the ball away to jack up the PTS/GAME. (See Third quarter Rox vs Bulls). Yao have Higher shooting %, anyway). 4. Demand the ball ( Like we demand Hormell Chili ) In every Rocket’s practice, Yao should demand his teammates to learn passing the ball to him. In the last few games, many passes to Yao looks awkward. 5. Right to Substitute When the 4th quarter’s clock pass 7:49, Yao should walk up to the Mid court and signal Rudy T. for substitution Sorry… I am no expert, just wanna to voice my frustration
I agree. I think Yao is taking a back sit because he's new in the NBA and he's probably thinking he has no right to do much but to listen for now. But it's time he must realize he has more than just listen to the Rockets team. IT's time to step up and be a leader and demand the ball more or speak out and let the coach know he wants more play involving him instead of keeping quiet as the Rockets keep losing. If Rockets design more plays involving Yao and if his teammates are not being too selfish, who know what Yao can do. And that's what frustrating about the Rockets because they're not willing to foresee that. They're not willing to incorporate Yao into a more bigger role.
It's pretty sad that we depend on a rookie so much with the talent we have...We'd probably be 11th or 12th in the West without Yao...
Actually Yao is more of a non-factor. In other words, instead of having Yao stand around, Cato would stand around. We'd probably be close to where we are - slightly above mediocre.
In the games that Yao just "stood around", you can chalk up a loss almost automatically. In this league, you need to have inside presence to win on a consistent basis. Yao was very much a factor in our wins. But as you pointed out, when Yao just stands around, he is a non-factor. Unfortunately, our own players, not the opposing teams, neutralized Yao with their selfish plays.
The only problem with these 5 things is that it's not Yao's team. Rudy is the coach, and whether or not the players agree with him or not, Rudy makes the decisions. And despite Yao's advanced basketball sense for his age, I'm don't think we want to hire him as a player/coach at this point.
There are enough individual things Yao needs to improve before he tries to coach the team: Dunk the ball. Fade aways and finger rolls have their place. But when you are 7'5", you should look to dunk everything within 5 feet of the basket. Snatch rebounds. No more lunging for the ball. Yao should move his feet, jump and snatch the hell out of the ball while swinging those elbows to clear space. A couple smacks in the face will make people back off and stop slapping at his hands. Keep the ball high. 6'3" guards should not be snatching the ball out of his hands without having to raise their arms above their shoulders. When making his move, Yao should leverage his height more, keep the ball up and throw dem bows out. Play mean. Sometimes it can be good to charge. When a game is getting "out of hand" physical, Shaq will just bowl over someone to send a message and mark his territory. Barkley would do the same thing. This is the offensive equivalent of the hard foul. After getting a taste of 300 pounds of pain, defenders will soften up. Whether he gets called for a charge or not, he should play mean and stay aggressive. The threat of a violent play enhances his finesse moves. Just as our guards harm us with their inconsistent decision making and ball handling, Yao hurts us with his inconsistent big man play. Sometimes he plays to his height, other times he plays like a dwarf. I know he is a rookie and I am pleased with his progress. But these are a few things I think he should improve.
lynxsen, I like your first point about the drawing up plays. I don't think it has to be Yao, but the plays do need to be a little trickier(sp?). Good points, but don't worry about the frustration, it'll only make the wins feel that much better.
excellent points. It's good for us to realize, as we slam the poor decisions of Francis and Cuttino, that Yao's play (and that of the others- MoT and EG in particular- Moochie is a lost cause) is not beyond reproach either. Of course, we expect more out of more experienced players.
I agree Rockets is not Yao's team yet. But as 'an incoming Allstar player' Yao has a chance to demand/speak. With the Rockets' poor performance lately, I believe that his teammates & coach will listen and working with him. I think Gren Rice will be his No. 1 supporter. Maybe not with a harsh demand....I believe Yao can do it with his 'gentle' and classy way.
Totally agree. Our guards should also play some good old ghetto defense. Knock down some bodies, poke them in their eyes, and call out their mama!!!!
I totally Agree With JeffB People just like the flavor of the month . . .and that is Yao but he has some things he can do better too Rocket River
EXACTLY... Yao needs more touchs...so that he feels that he does not need to shoot it every time he gets the ball... BECAUSE Most of the time he gets it...he is in terrible position and he tries the fade aways..etc (Hard a$$ shots) the last few weeks this has been his play. The more touchs he gets ...the better the offense will run. He will feel confortable to pass it back out instead of jacking up tough shots. More touchs..more points...more assists...more wins....stating the obvious...thats my game.
Do you really believe that Rudy runs this team? Ha ha ha That is the funniest take I have seen in a while. Maybbe we are just dumb basketball fans but has anybody noticed that Rudy never points to bad decision making at critical times as the problem ever? He always spins it into bad free throw shooting night, bad shooting night or lack of intensity. Is he afraid to say something that will make Francis or Mobley mad?
He also may need move out and not live with his parents. In addition, he need his girlfriend to be with him, mentally and sexually. It's tough for a 22-yr-old staying energetic without sex. If he doesn't live with his parents, he can solve this dilemma easily even though his girlfriend is in China.
Yeah, that's a good point about touches. Sharing the ball keeps all the players from rushing their shots and taking bad shots. The way Francis and Cat run the ship, their team mates look afraid to pass the ball for fear they won't get it back. Everyone should get more touches, especially Yao.
Not that Yao's personal life is any of our business, but I doubt that his recent poor play is due to lack of an active sex life.
I don't know but it seems like there's always a couple of chick around him everytime he's being taped.
