Yao can be a go-to-guy on a team. He just can't be the only one. His stamina seems to have worsen from last year. Everything is short because of the legs. He's probably really feeling the games now after being off for so long from NBA action. He needs a perimeter threat to take some possessions off from battling in the post on offense and a better offensive system than what has materialized. But first and foremost, he has to look to himself for improvement because he shouldn't be missing some of the shots he has been missing. Maybe Deke will help a little by having another 7 footer bump him and defend him in practice.
No thanks. Did you see last night's game?! Anyone who's willing to quit on his teammates on a whim is not fit to be a team leader. Heck, if TMac thinks he's bigger than the team, then let him have his own team to bully in the NBDL.
yao is in many ways like pau, but his height gives him more advantages than pau AND - yao never flops.
Yao isn't afraid to point things out to rookies and younger players. He won't do that at all w/ veterans. Until then, Yao will continue to defer to others in leadership and in play, shot selection, etc.
In a way yes....Yao is not good enough to be the main man...he needs help.... His shortcomings are noticable, but he is still a deadly weapon. But, he needs space to operate, and that means he needs penetrators and shooters around him. And quicker players to cover for him on defense. The Pau Gasol comparison is apt. DD
WTF! Gasol is better than Yao. Gasol will rock in Adelman's offense. Gasol is a natural. JVG is right about Yao, "Yao needs practices, Yao needs repetitions." In other words, Yao is a big robotic machine and Yao needs tune-ups and plays like a robot. And Yao is most efficient in this robotic way.
The latest offensive woe is not on Yao Ming. The spacing is simply too horrible for him to operate effectively. 60% - 70% of the time, there are 3 rocket players in the painted area. The coaching staff has to address this issue.
that's just jvg. if yao has become somewhat a robot now, it is all due to jvg's philosophy and training program. yao's rookie year was in no way like the way he is. not saying it is right or wrong. it's just the way it is.
true. and this should translate into how to use his huge advantages and hide/minimize the opposite. that's where coaching comes in.
Regarding Gasol: yes, this guy is a beast. He can handle double team way better the Yao Ming can. He also has better hearing and better agility. Gasol is a beast and if T-mac had Gasol, the rockets basically has the Championship locked up.
I hope RocketsHero is poking fun of the Houston "fans" overrating Gasol. To those who actually think Gasol is a beast and on par with Yao as a player, think about this: When Gasol tried to carry the team in Memphis, the team had one of the league's bottom records; so far this season, Yao has been carrying this team for better or for worse, and despite all Yao's faults and late-game breakdowns, we have a 21-13 record. Yao can be the centerpiece of a championship team, but he still needs complementary players: a lengthy, athletic, defense-oriented power forward; 3-point shooters and slashers; a PG who can create for the team and stretch the defense with his shooting. So far we only have shooters. In the recent stretch, the Scolandry combo has been struggling, Aaron Brooks is in a shooting slump, and TMac has contributed absolutely nothing to the team. A team of Yao, Rasheed and Billups would have to be a favorite to win it all, alas we can always dream.
just stop already. basically what your saying is tmac is a better player than kobe? im saying that because kobe/gasol havnt even won a ring together but your saying tmac would have it on lock? get out of here
MCGrady doesn't want the responsibility and Yao can't handle the responsibility. It's as simple as that.
But what you don't realize is that T-mac is a better performer than Kobe come playoff time. Check the stats yourself, second best playoff scoring average in the history of NBA. T-mac is a better passer than Kobe and he can utilize Gasol better. Defensively, T-mac is one of the best defender on the team along with battier and artest when he wants to. He is actually a better on ball defender than battier when he wants to due to his length and great anticipation. Offensively, T-mac is still a great offensive threat and y'all remember the two scoring titles back in Orlando? Oh, did I mention the second best playoff scoring average in the history of NBA? Regarding pure talent, T-mac is still a top five player in the league talent wise. I do believe he was better than Kobe and is still on par with Kobe simply due to the fact that T-mac can turn it on in the playoff. If T-mac teamed up with Shaq, they would have more championships right now. T-mac has not passed the first round yet because he didn't have good enough supporting cast back then. For the past couple of year, T-mac did impose his will in the playoff by averaging 25+, 7 rebs, 7 assists and 40% shooting. This is the first year in a long time, T-mac has a good enough supporting cast. Once again, I don't care how he does in the regular season and he can turn it on in the playoff. There is a mental switch in T-mac's mind, when it is playoff time, he always elevate his game. See, it isn't hard to accept this reality. You just have to memorize the above reasoning five times a day. You will slept better at night knowing T-mac will always show up in the playoff. Seriously though, no one wants T-mac and the rockets to fail. T-mac should really start to ask himself why he hasn't pass the first round yet. He should ask himself why the media and fans are turning on him. He should really reflect on his journey in the NBA and decide what his goals are. T-mac isn't young anymore, 12 years in the NBA and almost 30 years old. The championship window is closing and T-mac needs to find the answer. Best wishes to the Rockets in 2009 and we hope the rockets can turn it around and win a championship this year.
