Does Yao in place of Chuck make us better defensively?

One on one, Chuck is smarter defensively.

However, his lack of size, costs us in rebounds and while quicker then Yao, some centers can still dribble right by Hayes or just shot over his head. So as a whole, the answer is no, he can keep guys out of the paint on several occasions, but defensively he is still a liability in a lot of aspects which is part of the reason, he doesn't see a lot of court time in most games.

Although it appears we have a lot of people are voting while intoxicated.

 

It's funny how alot of poster constantly point to Yao's ability to defend the PnR.

Yet, it's weird that if you take of list of the NBA's best centers:

Dwight, Shaq, Bogut, Kaman, Bynum, Horford, M.Gasol, B.Lopez, K.Perkins, J.O'Neal, Bynum, and Okur. Of all of those players, it's funny half of them are probably worse defenders than Yao Ming and just as bad, if not worse at the pick n roll. Among his peers, one can firmly say that he is not the worst of the bunch.

Chuck is a great defensive player (probably better than Yao in a number of areas), but he is a tall task for him to stop some of those monsters and keep them off the boards, while defending the basket from penetration. Especially when others teams have shooting guards who are either as tall as, if taller than Hayes, while being a great deal more athletic. Tall task to ask of old Chuck (his own forwards are even taller than him).

Chuck's strength would be even more effective though, if he were next to some of the players above or Yao.

 

Also explains how bigs get into foul trouble more than wing players. They have to guard the opposing big AND stop wing players layups up close. They either start hacking cuz they look bad having to give up easy points close in, or start reaching because they're getting worn down quicker.

If it hasnt been mentioned, something unfairly against Hayes is he's usually entered in to guard 2nd team centers and power forwards. With the occasional spot matchup against a good starting post player. Thats after Yao has already worn them down, and Hayes can come in fresh against them and keep muscling up on them more.

Now Hayes is asked to defend Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum ALL game long. Something Yao does game in game out. Hayes has still held his own surprisingly. I still love a Yao/Hayes combo in together.

 

I do too. I think Yao does make Hayes a better defender, at times. For example, say he were guarding Dirk. If Dirk decided to attack to the basket (although it happens rarely) Yao could come in, show intimidation or actually block the shot against Dirk. There are times when Hayes makes Yao better, typically when defending the pick n roll. But for the most part, I think Yao makes Hayes a better defender.