You guys need to consider the change of rules in defense since the last couple of years. The zone defense, double and triple teams, you don't see guys averaging 38-40 ppg anymore, and the numbers of rookies are also down as a consequence.
Anyone who thinks the NBA is going downhill doesn't know what they are talking about. Sure rookies come in, especially out of High School, and are not prepared. There is no way to argue against that. But look at the stars we have now. Yao Shaq Kobe McGrady Garnett Duncan Wallace Webber Marbury Francis Iverson J O'Neal Carter Kidd Pierce B Davis Mobley....just kidding And that's just first tier guys. So all you people screaming about the apocalyspe need to take a second look.
Wall ? What wall ? His averages in points, rebounds, and blocked shots keep going up as far as i can tell. The only wall i see him hitting, is the one that stands 30 minutes into the game. His endurance can only improve though.
<blockquote><hr>Originally posted by codell This can be prevented in two ways 1) Yao should make his move to to shoot or pass quicker and 2) Yao's teamates need to warn him when their man has left them and is attacking yao from the blindside. <hr><blockquote> I think it is much simpler than this, and actually a problem with Yao's fundamentals. He needs to start holding the ball higher in the air while he is canvasing the court. imo, he should never get stripped the way he does, and it is likely happening more because tape is out that he doesn't hold the ball high enough.
One of the reasons why is that coaches these days limits the touches and shots of rookies. You check Jordan, Olajuwon, Robinson, Shaq, etc, and you'll see they got the green light to take 20-30 shots a game. One reason is that their teams were so terrible that they could shoot all they want. But these days, veterans tend to get more touches than the rookies, no matter how crappy their team is. Yao is getting there, but there is no way Yao is going to get as many shots as those guys you listed with Francis and Mobley around, at least this season. Pau Gasol put up good numbers last season. He averaged about 17 points and 8 boards, pretty comparable to the rookies of the old days. But Pau was on a bad team (though the Grizzlies are actually pretty talented, IMO). Jay does seem to be a disappointment so far, though. Perhaps he was a tad less talented than originally thought. Anyway, I'm going to predict that Yao ends up averaging around 15-16 points and 10 rebounds this season when all is said and done. Amare Stoudamire is also a good one. He'll average around 14-15 points and 10 boards also. BTW-- Moses started out averaging around 18 points and 14 rebounds when he first went pro in the ABA.
By the way, there is an article on ESPN about this Year's rookie crop developing faster then last year's. If anyone could post it (pay article), i think it should be interesting.
