Hubie talked about Rudy and Rockets on Channel 13. 1. He understands the pressure Rudy facing: the high expectation from media and fans and without Kobe for a long period of time. It was a monster job. He mentioned his problem with Memphis earlier in the season, the 3rd youngest team, and he didn't know what type of play each player would bring in games. 2. He didn't think this OLD Rockets team has a problem with age. In the first part of the season, Rockets lost 13 close games. JVG brought in players with experience and emphasized defense. These players played with tenacity, and Rockets are winning close games. Rockets has turned corner. He pointed out that we have two young stars. 3. He was asked about that people complain about Yao's development (Yao will only be a good player, but not a great player). He said he liked Yao's constant improvement on rebound and shooting, and the main problem is playing time. Yao only plays 31 minutes a game. He said if Yao somehow increases his playing time, Rockets is going to get a 20/10 player.
So many people overlook Yao's playing time.. a group of folks were bashing Yao until I mentioned his limited playing time and he's still putting up good numbers for the little minutes he plays.. then they all shut up. Yao could put up Duncan type numbers with more PT
It's not always about foul trouble that he is limited in his playing time. There are a lot of times that JVG will just rest Yao so he isn't worn out by the end of the season. I think that is a good idea when Deke is playing well and can hold the fort when he is out. No need to have Yao play 40 minutes through the season then burn out at the end of the season or in the playoffs when we need him the most. We should take it as a luxury that we can still win games and Yao only has to play about 30 minutes a game.
Agree. Yao contested too many shots by jumping and not raising his hands straight up. The refs didn't help either.
Minutes come down to three things (the first two relating to fouls): 1. Improve lateral quickness. Yao struggles with foul trouble because he often isn't able to get over quick enough to contest a shot or cut a man off. He gets caught reaching or running into guys with the body. 2. Play within the NEW rules The new rules have made the games more fun to watch because they eliminate ANY legit perimeter defense meaning anyone with dribble penetration skills can get into the paint. However, Yao must learn to exploit the rules to get blocked shots and to agressively rebound - two things the rules HAVE opened up for teams - and avoid the reaching fouls. 3. Improve conditioning. When you are 7'6", you are just going to struggle at times running with guys who are a foot shorter. Your frame just has limitations. Yao just needs to continue to work in the offseason to improve his overall conditioning and do the best he can with the body he has.
It will be interesting to see if Yao's mins can go up to the 35-38 min range when the playoffs begin. If can stay out of foul trouble I am sure JVG will want him to play more mins.
Some nights are clearly better than others for Yao, stamina-wise. Last night, he never looked winded throughout the second half... but there are other times where he'll merely play 5 minutes, and he'll need a serious breather. Adrenaline, the way the opposing team matches up with him, and how much confidence he has in his shot all contribute towards his energy level. I do believe they're doing everything they can to keep his stamina up... its the other factors (always fighting thru the fronting defense, missing easy shots, getting fouls) that could make him discouraged, and then tired. In the end... if Yao plays well... he has more energy... and thus he plays better. Get it? I'm now confused.
From all accounts, Yao had a great conditioning program the past off season and had a lot of time off. He said he had more time off this off season than ever before. I think the biggest part is he's just a giant and running around at that size will always be a struggle. I don't see any way around it.
In that case, instead of expending all that energy dunking, YM should gently lay the ball in the basket. The gentle approach, however, doesn't instill fear (or respect) in *anyone*. Houston didn't have this much trouble with interior defense with Cato guarding the weakside. Maybe the solution is to have YM be YM and for Houston to find another Cato. University (Weak Sigh) Blue
This can be fixed somewhat irregardless of what Yao does. We just need a laterally quick PF like a Stromile Swift. Yao teamed up with an equally slow Howard causes a lof of these problems. While Cato isnt the quickest guy in the world he was quick enough to not cause Yao to have to be the last line of defense.
