http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pb...PORTS/712200326/1002/SPORTS&template=printart Yao amazed at Howard's athleticism BY JOHN DENTON FLORIDA TODAY Dwight Howard prepared for Wednesday's marquee matchup against Houston's Yao Ming by getting in a post-practice weight-lifting session that featured six sets of 310-pound bench presses. Meanwhile, Yao worked on his conditioning, running extra sprints because he knew he would have a night of chasing the gazelle-like Howard up and down the floor. At 7-foot-6, Yao is a giant among giants even in the NBA. But he said it's Howard, whose rare combination of power, speed and off-the-charts athleticism is one of the most unique and complete centers is the NBA. "Even though we're both natural big men, we play different," Yao said. "I play a little like (Cleveland's Zydrunas) Ilgauskas. Dwight Howard plays more like a Shaq, very down in the paint, trying to finish with a dunk every time. "Just think, how many players are like Dwight Howard, his body, his age and his success level. You can't count on us having a Dwight Howard come out every year. It's like why is Shaq Shaq?" Both Yao and Howard said they fear matchups between dominant low-post players will someday become a thing of the past. "I feel like we're dinosaurs, almost done," Yao said. Howard said he can't get over just how incredibly large Yao is, from his tree-trunk-like legs to his lengthy reach. "I was wondering, 'Why are his legs so big?' Then, I went to China and I realized he must have ridden a bike his whole life," Howard said. "I always wonder, what if I was 7-6 and still doing the same stuff I do now? That would be like having a cheat code on a video game." Still ailing. Magic star forward Rashard Lewis said he is scheduled to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test today on his neck in hopes of discovering the source of his lingering pain. Lewis has been bothered for more than a week by swelling, stiffness and spasms in his neck. The pain is so bad, he has trouble turning his head to the right side. He's twice visited chiropractors, and they've helped calm the pain enough for him to play. The best solution would be sitting out, but he said that's not an option with the Magic in the throes of a slump. "The doctor told me I probably needed to sit out two, three or four games to let it heal 100 percent, but right now I feel we're in a situation where we need a some wins to get back on track," he said. "It's difficult because I can't do the things I want to do. I'm not as mobile, and it's taken away my athleticism. Sometimes, when I run down the floor I can only look over my left shoulder. And when guys attack me to my right, it's hard to turn." Etc. Former Magic guard Tracy McGrady, now a fixture with Houston, elicited a chuckle before the game with his tradition of bumping fists with the statisticians along press row. McGrady didn't stop with the Rockets employees and shook hands with Sun Sports announcers David Steele and Matt Goukas. . . . Lewis hails from Houston, and still owns a home in the suburbs of America's fourth-largest city. So it was natural for him to always dream of playing in South Texas. The Rockets did pursue him in January when he became a free agent, going as far as leaving a personalized Houston jersey on the front step of his home. That was odd for Lewis because the Rockets had three chances to draft Lewis in 1998, but passed each time, causing him to drop into the third round. Said Lewis: "I've still got (the jersey). I put it in the closet and added it to my collection. I'll always have a Rockets jersey with my name on it and I can kind of say I played here in heart." . . . Steve Francis, who spent 11/2 turbulent seasons in Orlando, missed Wednesday's game because of flu-like symptoms. Francis practiced with the Rockets on Monday and Tuesday, but skipped the game. He won't play tonight when the Rockets face the Nuggets in Denver, and was instead flown ahead to Chicago. . . . Magic guards Carlos Arroyo and J.J. Redick will take kids on shopping sprees today in Central Florida. Arroyo will take 40 kids from the Kissimmee Boys and Girls Club, while Redick will take 50 kids from the Apopka Boys and Girls Club. Contact Denton at jd41898@aol.com.
Its nice how Yao and Howard can say nice things about each other. I guess it'd be a more fierce rivalry if they faced each other more than twice a year. A battle of egos is nice for the papers but I'll take a classy competition any time. So is "third" round pick Rashard Lewis now a punk for waiting a week to get an MRI for his ailment? A competitor, a weakling, not playing it smart?
This season...Abosolutely! Last season...Hell no! It's not just about Howards' improvement, it's more about their team styles. Howard's is perfectly suited to his game (up and down game, penetrating guards). Yao is in almost the worst possible situation for him...camping out in the high post...egalitarian offense in which everyone has same opportunities to touch the ball. Keep in mind that Olando had to double Yao everytime last night in the post, whereas Yao basically played DH straight up. Despite that, their numbers were a wash. Had Yao's teammates been able to shoot even 40% his team would have won easily.
I didn't think Yao did a good job establishing position close to the basket. He was pushed out 8 feet or so. He's not going to be an efficient post up player from that distance, single or double teamed. And without another player who can run pick and roll with him or drive and dish (T-Mac), he wasn't able to get easy baskets except on offensive rebounds.
Wow, first Yao thinks he's not a starter, now he compares himself and his style to Stiff Z. This is your leader.
I think we're all amazed at Howard's athleticism at this point. Nice to see Yao hold his own last night even though he didn't shoot well.
Typical Chinese mentality -- never brag about yourself and be respectful to your opponent. I guess Yao will never be truly americanized.
I'm not. Don't get me wrong, he'd be in my top 3 of players to start a team with right now (others being Lebron and Chris Paul), BUT, he's impressive only in the lack of other big man with his size/speed combination in today's game, and the potential he still has to improve his game. His offense, as evidenced by last night's affair - which is the same as it's been for the entire season - is improving, but still so so raw. His athleticism helps him get a lot of boards and dunks, but he certainly didn't go overboard on that last night when there was finally someone of a capable size guarding him. And his rebounding, though impressive, again, wouldn't be as impressive in year's past. Yao shot horribly last night, but still played a better game than Dwight. Just saying, Dwight is going to be a beast for years, but put him in the league 15 years ago, and he's just another really good, athletic big guy (with Hakeem, D-Rob, young Shaq, Patrick Ewing, young Mourning, Shawn Kemp). Not to mention the rest of the big men pool (Malone, Barkley, Dennis Rodman, etc. etc.)
I can't believe people are saying Howard is better. Yesterday's match is the proof why Yao is the No.1 centre: During offence, he is using his worst attacking weapon and he still managed to get lots of offensive rebounds and scores more than Howard During defense, other than some Ally-Oop conceded, during 1 on1 plays, everyone should see that Howard struggles to make accurate shots. Yao defend him very well. The fact is, if we just compare the two players, it's simply insane to say Yao is worse than Howard. People always fail to realize the change in Magic's play style this season which contributes a lot to Howard's stats. The same happens to Yao too. Pay attention to where he attacks in the low post---almost 2 steps farther than last seasons. This is because this allows Yao to pass out from double team easier and creates more open shots.
I don't care where you're from, you don't compare yourself to Big Z, and you're supposed to be the best center in the NBA.
You make it sound like 21/11/3 is a poor or average night for Dwight since he didn't go "overboard" and throw up 30/30 or something. I agree with everything else you're saying though. He's still very raw and does the same things offensively. It would be a different story if he entered the league 15 years ago instead of today's uptempo-shifting NBA that emphasizes speed and the importance of players of his mold.
No, no...Howard had a great stat line. But I think Yao played just as well, despite being surrounded by a bunch of average NBA players at best on his team (and a first half with another super-star who completely sucked). And, to some extent, yes, it was a below average night for him. But mostly what I'm saying is that I don't think Howard would be putting up these stats 15 years ago. Close, but not quite. He'd still be, and still is impressive though. Since 1980 I think there've been only 9 seasons where the league leader in rebounds averaged over 15 a game (where Dwight is now), and 6 of those were by Dennis Rodman.
they had 3 first round picks. As Nike notes above (Dickerson, Drew, Turckan). http://www.nbadraft.net/1998.htm
