Too bad, because Collins is HANDS DOWN the best analyst on tv -- in ANY sport. Re-read what Collins is quoted as saying. He's saying Amare he would probably pick Amare ahead of Yao in today's NBA because the current rules favor an offense geared towards running and spreading the court, rather than a half court, pound-it-inside offense. Even the most ardent Yao supporter must concede in a running offense, Amare is much better suited. There's no shame in that at all. The current NBA rules allow for a zone defense, which came about in part as a response to teams being unable to stop Shaq in the post. That same rule allows teams -- many of which would otherwise have no shot at stopping Yao -- to at least create problems for him in the post. Let's clarify one thing -- what Collins did *NOT* say Amare is better than Yao.
No we don't. Amare has the best PG in the world giving him the ball. What was his average the year that Marbury played with him? Can he play anywhere near this level on any other team in the NBA without someone named Nash or Kidd on the same team? When you have perennial journeyman putting up carerr stats, I think you can safely say there is indeed a Nash factor. How's Tim Thomas doing these days?
BTW, the AZ Central is the same esteemed newspaper that brought us the following tidbits about Yao's future: Randy Brickley, Arizona Republic, 11/15/02: “…Inside of three or four years, (Yao will) probably be history.” “It also brings to mind an interesting question: How do you say LaRue Martin in Chinese?” “A master of almost no facet of the game, Yao makes Martin look like another historic basketball figure, Wilt Chamberlain. Manute Bol has a better chance of playing hockey than Yao does of having an All-Star career…” oh yes, very objective journalism indeed.
From business point of view, take Yao any day, and Amare is not even in horizen yet. Do you think Les will increase his wealth by 10 times with Amare? No. From contribution, hard to say. Amare fits Suns better than Yao. However, Amare is not as good as he looks from stats. Without Nash, it is questionable where Amare will be. Given the fact that he had micro surgery, if there is a second chance, I doubt that Suns would sign him to max. I would take Yao any day (however, I am biased as a fan).
When you say stuff like this before talking about him as a basketball player, you in effect pigeonhole him as a freakshow or publicity stunt only there to make money. Of course, one has to ask how popular the Mavs are in China considering that they had Wang Zhi Zhi here first. Stop with the business, or Yao makes money crap, it doesn't work unless he's good. You as a supposed biased Rockets fan should know better.
Yup. That's what a great point guard can do for you. Diaw, James Jones, Amare, Q-Rich... they all shine/shined under Nash. Notsomuch without him. Reminds me of how everyone thought Bryon Russell, Shandon Anderson, and Howard Eisley were so great. Then they left the Jazz, and they played like crap. Hmm... wonder if that had anything to do with John Stockton, aka the rich man's Steve Nash? I'm thinkin' so.
Wonder why he did nto write it 10 months ago... Oh wait, back then he was too worried that his beloved Amare may never see the court again!
Take note that Amare's injury isn't due to someone stepping on his foot, or tackling him on the leg. How was Amare of 2 years ago more impressive than Yao this season? Oh yeah he's a highlight reel, I guess that makes him a better player.
I think it's still too early to tell. At first it looked like Amare would have been a better pick - but with Yao's continued development - it's just too hard to tell right now. We'll only know in hindsight - which might be 20-20. But if they both end up winning rings - then the debate may never end.
Yao was taken 1st then, Yao would be taken 1st now. But to be honest 2 years ago when Amare sliced and diced the Spurs and Mavs big men (yes Phx still lost in the WCF, but he put up 30PPG-11RPG-2blks over 3 playoff series as a 22 year old 2nd year guy) he would have been the pick. He was younger and better than Yao at that time. But a lot has changed. Amare isn't back to what he was and Yao is much better than he was, Yao is the clear choice again.
Nah Amare is just an anthletic freak, nothing else. The Phoenix system and the leadership of Steve Nash is what made him stand out. Else he could very well turn into another Stromile Swfit or Eddie Griffin, who were both even higher lottery picks than Amare in previous years. Amare scores alot because he's never doubleteamed because his teamates can't be left open. Amare's rebounding numbers are padded because of his team's run-n-gun style, and also he's the only starter over 6'9. Is he good? Yes of course he is. Is he as good as Yao? Not a chance. Yao can post up 20-10 while being double-teamed and playing with a crap PG who tries hard not to get him the ball, AND play solid defense at the other end. It's safe to say that Phoenix lucked out with Steve Nash. Heck if we had him, Yao would be a 30-10 monster by now. Btw, Amare IS #1 over Yao... as a bench player for the Western Conference All-Star team
WTF. I don't think Amare can be compared with Yao. Yes, he probably got the number recently. But, Yao can create shoot for himself and is the guy that you may be forced to use an additional player to double night in and night out. Amare definitely cannot get his number without Nash. And I seldom see Amare surrounded by more than 1 player. Half of Amare's number belongs to Nash. Suns is still Suns when Amare is out. Hand down, Yao is the better one.
When Stoudamire plays against Yao he never has good games right??? Anyway if i look at the Rockets team right now its better off with this combination then they would be with stoudamire t-mac.
