I agree with you to a certain degree. Anyway, I don't want to argue about Yao needing more touches especially he is hot. Yao is my favorite Rockets since Dream and probably will be during his days as a Rockets. I have a group of 8-10 friends of differnce races who always come to my home to watch NBA games. Most of them are Celtics fans, some LAL fans. I am the only Rockets fans. It has been frustrating for me to listen to their complaining about Yao not getting touches when he was burning the Celtics, LAL, etc, and the Bulls last night. When I told them that whoever argues too much on the topic of Yao needing more touches will risk of being labeled YOF on the clutch board, they all had a great time laughing their asses off.
Definitely turned the corner, he is playing smarter and made adjustments in his game that are going to cure his tendency to "turnoveritis". 1. He plays more catch and shoot now instead of catching, dribbling, shooting. 2. His court awareness is better. He senses the help defenders and doesn't put the ball on the floor if there is help in the area. 3. He is quick to pass the ball when the help comes to double him. 4. He is keeping the ball higher. 5. His timing on rebounds is better. 6. He is running the court better, actually keeps up with the team instead of dragging behind like year 1/2. 7. Post moves have improved. 8. Footwork is better. Don't know if its my imagination but I sense more of a willingness on the part of team to pass the ball to him, partly because they are more confident that a pass to Yao will not result in a TO. Now, I want Yao to be able to catch those hard passes and be ready for those split second passes he has dropped in the past.
no he hasnt. He is doing what many of us who saw him the last 2 years expected. An early slump followed by great performance of 2 or 3 months surroundihg the All Star Break. I dont want to jinx him, but he should start tailoring off in late March to April.
Could it be that Yao's improvement is caused by better teammates? The arrival of TMac, Barry, Wesley (all are veterans that know how to play smart ball). Mutumbo definitely help Yao's rebounding and shot blocking. Sura brings heart and good example of warrior attitude that can rub off on Yao
I think this season will be different, it seems Yao has prepared himself better recently and he's having goals of playing better at end of season and playoff unlike last year. Is it just me or Yao seems more in control and gearing up for playoff. (Saving a gear for playoff)
The reason is in playoff basketball, you need a guy that can create shots either for himself or his team mates. Guys like MJ, Kobe, TMAC can do that while Ray Allen falls into the Reggie Miller type mold where he can only score if something is set up for him.
I won't say "yes" until the end of this season, just as I won't judge "fire Gundy" until after the playoff.
Jumpshooters don't get to the free throw line as much. Guys like TMac also have to take a lot of "bad" shots to beat the clock, carry the team, etc. Tmac also draws more attention from the defense than a guy who just plants himself at the 3 poiont line (not saying Ray Allen is one of those).
LOL - i think the concensus everywhere (except this board) is that Yao needs more than 12 shots a game.
I dont know if Yao has turned the corner but his game has improved. I dont see Yao getting in as much foul trouble which must be willingness on his part to just let some things go. Yao is not turning the ball over as much and his offensive fouls seem to have tapered off. I dont know if thats because of the refs or improvement on Yao's part. His shot is definately better and he is more consistently hitting the open outside shot. I like the inside/outside combo Yao is doing. Instead of camping in the paint Yao is moving around more in the high post low post areas. His rebounding / shot blocking has definately improved and it seems the refs are recognizing the fact that Yao is moving away from the player trying to avoid contact. J
