No matter a center is a finesse player or a power dunker, if a center can make the opposing starting center commit 4 fouls before the beginning of the 4th quarter, he is dominant. Shaq, at his peak, always (nearly) fouled out the opposing starting centers, and put them on the bench, thus created havoc to the defensive strategy of the opposing teams as the center position is the anchor of the team defense. Last game, B. Wallace only committed 3 fouls for the whole game, he was effective in the Bull's defensive strategy. That's not enough for a center like Yao. If Yao can foul B. Wallace out by shooting jumpers, Bulls would have no answer for him and Bulls' defensive strategy would collapse. Of course, Ben has the reputation of a defensive center, thus it is difficult for referees to take him out. That's why Phil. Jackson is a smart coach, he always cries for more foul calls for Shaq because he understands the importance of disrupting opposing teams defensive strategy by either fouling out or putting the opposing center on the bench. JVG is doing this by pleaing for more foul calls, but he does not have the pedigree of Phil. Jackson. So for Yao to be dominant, he has to learn how to create/cheat fouls.
I'd rather consider points and rebounds to be the determining factor of one's dominance in a game. 30+ points, 15+ rebounds, these are the fundamentals. Fouls will follow when nobody can stop you.
I agree... one way to do it is you play aggressive to the point either you foul out or the other guy does... Shaq use to be so good at fouling out guys... only problem was he should have fouled out too...
To me a dominant center would mean 1. Taking it to the Rack with Authority 2. Rebounding like a beast and making sure nobody has the inside position. 3. Looking at your opponent and instilling fear knowing your about to kick their A@s 4. Making sweet turnaround , shake moves for a pull up jumper... 5. Hook-Shots 6. Mad assist because of double teams 7. Drawing the double or triple temas 8. NBA makes a new rule beacause your so dominant it's unfair 9. Be in the top 5 in blocks These were not made in order. That's my true definition of a great Center of Dominance
i too would like to see yao take it to the hoop more often. or at least back the guy down a little before turning and shooting. he lets the defense off easy by just shooting voer them like they're not there. he neesd to make them try to guard him.
So Shaq has never been dominant ... in his 16 years career, his best season is only 29.7 pts and 13.6 rebounds. May be you can help us to name a dominant NBA in the last 20 years based on your definition.
Could you stop using all the colors? It makes your posts difficult to read. Yellow on white is hardly legible.
I have done mine. Now it's your turn to do the research. We are talking about your definition of dominance afterall.
http://www.82games.com/0607/06HOU13C.HTM Opposing C committ 7.9 fouls per 48 min w/ Yao on court. Last night was an exception. Like the GEICO casveman says: next time maybe do a little research.
Dominance refers to controlling the game in such a way as to demand a ton of attention from the opposing team. Some players help their teams in very quiet ways -- Shane Battier for instance. I wouldn't call such players "dominant", even though in some cases they can be just as valuable. A dominant player forces the opposing team to adjust to him. The more dominant you are, the more you do this. I think that's basically what it boils down to. Is Yao dominant? Of course. Does he dominate the way Shaq used to? No way. Hakeem? Maybe on offense against certain teams, but definitely not on defense.
You know Yao will never play 48 minutes. But last night IS NOT an exception against physical players. Yao has trouble dealing with physical defenders. He is right now the top center statistically, but in order to help the team more, he needs to learn how to create fouls. Once Yao can put the opposing center on the bench, he will find it gets much easier to score against the opposing 2nd tier.
1) able to get points (dunk, FT, shoot, or flop) and rebounds when he decides to dominate a game in whatever quarter. 2) dominate your team first. 3) play smart (less) defense and not being caught.
