People have said all along that Patrick Ewing wasn't a good match to work with Yao, and stated that Yao's previous lack of aggressive play was due to Patrick's tutoring. In fairness should Patrick get some credit now that Yao seems to be playing with more confidence and aggressiveness on a regular basis. I didn't slam Ewing before and while I think he has helpd to a certain degree, I don't give him all the credit now, but it is interesting that when Yao was performing below expectations Patrick was to blame, and now that Yao is playing with gusto I don't hear anyone singing the former Knick's praises.
No! No! No! -- Did Clutch put some kind of filter/constraint for posting? It asked me to length my post after I type ONE "No!", so I had to add this long explaination.
I think Yao has to realize his potential on his own. He needs to get agressive and has definately taken a huge step in that direction. As for Ewing he was a completely different player than Yao so I don't think he deserves much credit or blame. I still don't think he is the perfect coach for Yao, but I believe that Yao's development depends more on his determination than who his coach is.
I find it funny how everyone thinks that only the great centers of the past can best teach the centers of today. In fact, there are very few cases of this actually happening...the best tutors are usually unheralded assistant coaches who put in the time to dissect a players' skills and habits, and then work with them repeatedly to help them address their deficiencies and exploit their strengths....people like Gurgrich and Thibedeau. I think it's pretty clear that in Yao's case, if anyone one person other than Yao is to receive credit it's Thibedeau.
I just don't get why so many posters on this board are so unwilling to even consider that MAYBE Ewing's coaching has had a positive effect on Yao. It just seems a tad ignorant to me.
In his recent interviews when asked about the reason for his strong progress of late, Yao not once credited Ewings from the numerous interviews I have read. He did however credit Thibodeau, his personal strength coach, JVG numerous times. More importantly I think, is his will for further improvement. -G'day-
A dummy tutor for Rockets. why they choose Ewing to coach Yao. I never see any enthusiasm from Ewing but his laziness.
As beyao and C-Kompii mentioned, it seems like Thibodeoaxvaodfahsdoiasdfaosduoexeau gets a lot of praise for his work with Yao. Ewing needs to be let go.
I don't know if Patrick Ewing deserve some credit or not. The Yao we see right now is mostly the product of his own dedication and hardwork.
Exactly. It's sort of like the JVG haters. When we lose it's because of the coach, but when we win, it's in spite of the coach. I hate Ewing as much as the next Rocket fan, but since none of us are there in practice to see what really goes on (you can't judge him by his bench demeanor only), how can people be so quick to dismiss him when Yao is playing so well?
Well put. I've had this argument before with folks and they said if Yao is playing poorly and Ewing was brought in to tutor Yao, then Ewing is OBVIOUSLY NOT doing his job. Using that logic, Ewing must in fact be doing his job. You can't have it both ways. Some of you say you never heard Yao praise Ewing and that he looks so lifeless on the bench so that is evidence enough. As long as you are acknowledging the GIANT assumptions you make based on the absence of any facts, you are entitled to your opinion.
He has likely contributed something to Ming's game, but Lindsey probably gets the lion's share of the credit for Ming's improvement. Actually, Ming should get the credit.
hey, if he helped Yao at all, I'm hella grateful. Because without Yao, this season would've just sucked @$$
Dennis Lindsey? The scout?! Elaborate, please. I know you're not the type of guy to pull something completely out of your arse, so I'm sure there is sound logic behind that statement, but I'm clearly missing it.
There's no evidence to undeniably prove or disprove either argument. However we do have circumstantial evidence that could give us hints. (1) Yao's own lack of mention of Ewing in his interviews.. Thibodeaux seems to feature prominently. JVG is mentioned as well. We see no mention of Ewing. (2) Jon Barry asked point blank how has Ewing helped Yao on Sports610. His answer was that he thought Ewing's contribution to Yao was having a warrior mentality in bringing effort day-in and day-out game or practice.
NONE to very little ( who in his right mind would consider a New York Knick as a decent coach for the Houston Rockets Big man)
