Setting pick for the center is a way to get him good position. The Lakers do some of that for Shaq. The problem is, getting the ball down low involves two parts, the getting position part and the passing part. You have to pass him the ball at the right time, usually right when he gets there before the defenders have time to do their things. A lot of people assume that the big guy simply needs to get the position and hold it. The fact is, getting there is not easy. Holding it is even more difficult. This is true even for Shaq, as strong as he is. I watch a lot of Lakers games. Shaq often catches the ball on the move. It takes a lot of coordinations and basketball smart on both parts to get it done.
That play we ran of the inbounds play was extremely quick and suprised Minnesota because it was really well disguised. The defense thought Yao's going to drop back and catch the pass at the free throw line but quickly ran into the strong post for the screens and good post up position. I think as long as you disguise it well and don't make the play obvious like a regular pick and roll, this will be good to mix this in every once in a while to relieve pressure off of Yao having to fight position down low all by himself. Unlike holding position off the ball, holding position when you have that ball already is easy because it's obvious when you're being pushed. There is some timing involved but it can be perfected with some practice.
