This whole time, Morey has said that Yao would elevate the team to defensive respectability and his reasoning was sound. He would provide the interior presence to at least stop the layup line that we've seen so often. Well, so what does the team do now? The team was built to stay a float without Yao but the defensive issues are obvious. Now that we know he isn't going to be around, what can the team do to stop the bleeding? AB, Martin, Scola and even Hayes are liabilities and placing them all together can outscore some weaker opponents but against the very best the team has and will struggle. Should we consider starting Hill, who can at least make it a bit more difficult for teams in the paint? Should the team consider making Martin or AB a 6th man and mixing some of the better defensive players in the starting lineup? Patterson and Williams have defensive back grounds, although not shot blockers, so do they get playing time? I had lost faith in Yao long term but did expect to see him some time in Jan and Feb to be evaluated. If he didn't work out then Morey could go out and get a big. So does he do that now and begin the search or will it be to late by the time he finds someone?
I think they need size now. IMO waiting would be a mistake. Offense does not seem to be an issue for most games. The lane is just too open on defense. We need an athletic, long, shot blocker who can also be an offensive threat.
Even with Williams this team will continue to struggle as i expect. I don't envision him being the answer to all their problems. I said and i'll say it again. Williams don't solve their problems in the paint. It was once said they wanted an offensive team. The problem i can clearly see now is that the triple offensive trio Scola/Martin/Brooks can't play any defense at all. With these three on the floor together anybody can score on them at will. They are not long enough, not athletic enough to challenge shots in the paint. Teams just attack and attack the basket most of the game and get to many easy baskets inside. Before they used to force the other team to shoot over the top of the defense. they don't do that any more. Their defense is non existent. So the solution to most their or biggest glaring problem i can see is, they need more length and athleticism up front. Chuckwagon and Lowry are also liabilities on offense. Both can't score and need team mates to create for them. The 2nd most glaring need is they need a 'closer' and '2-way players'. Basically they are a team made up of 'coaching decisions' role players who are one dementional and can't play both sides of the court. Yao don't change a whole lot in their game except that he's long and lengthy and can challenge shots. Yao has a weakness on defense is that he's not quick enough to stay in front of smaller guards penetrating to the basket. I notice with Hill in there their defense is better, but he's not the defensive force yet until they pair him with another long player who is quick enough and can be a defensive force like the old Ben Wallace or Marcus Camby.
