Well Sabonis was a lot thicker in the midsection than Yao (even during Sabas' younger years, moreso when he got older). And those few inches do make a difference. It's much easier to push someone over if their center of gravity is halfway to their chest, than if it is at their waist. That being said, you're right, some people are more coordinated than others. And the taller you get, it seems like the more uncoordinated you're likely to be. I mean out of all the 7 footers in the league, what is the percentage that AREN'T big clumsy stiffs. It's not very much, I'll tell you that right now. Maybe there's some biological or other scientific reason, but if you're are really tall, then it seems like it's more likely than not, that you're a big clumsy oaf.
Did JVG really say that? I guess it is just honest opinion. Did Langford not play hard or just not good enough? If it is the latter, it is pretty harsh and demoralizing. Well, it's a multi-million business. I guess with that kind of money, you will have to be cabable of taking that type of pressure and criticism. I recall Yao once said if JVG was his coach the 1st year, he would prabably have been so depressed by the criticism that he would just wrap up and go back to China.
According to Barry, he did. Under what sort of circumstances, who knows. I seem to recall hearing somewhere though that pro coaches always try to make an example out of somebody during camp, so maybe that's what was going on. Or maybe he just sucked incredibly bad. I mean, let's face it, the Rockets are trying to build a team to go to the finals, they really DON'T have time to waste on guys without a prayer of making the team, especially with three important new guys.
IIRC, Arvydas had very spindly legs. IMHO, physical comparisons between he and Yao are somewhat pointless in spite of only a 3" height differential. Centers of gravity and hand-eye coordination are vastly different. Not to mention, Arvydas was over 30 when he joined the NBA and by then had moved his game up the lane a lot as evidenced by 415 3pt attempts in 7 seasons. http://www.nba.com/playerfile/arvydas_sabonis/
I know how Yao could become vey balanced, and ,maintain that balance, throughout his a career. I struggled with my golf swing, and one of the things most golf coaches won't tell you, because they don't really understand, is how to get that balance. Great athletes are blessed most of the time with that inner gyroscope, but there is a fool proof and thousands of years old way to get real balance for anyone who is so inclined. It's actually very simple, but the practice is not. It's called yoga. Yoga is in essence, a system of balance, and I can guarentee you that if Yao were to earnestly take up yoga, he would have DRAMATIC improvement in balance, a key to almost all sports. and life for that matter. A great book to understand how and why it works from some of the beswt athletes in the world and how yoga has helped them is titled, Real Men Do Yoga. What I love about this book is, it takes all the major sports and give you the basic postures( i.e., reps), to do to effect the specific muscles and inner dynamics for what you want to achieve. If you want to improve your game, get this book. I interview people for a living and know what I'm talking about. It has, after 15 years of hacking, brought my swing, game and inner serenity for the golf course together. Add a few lessons with a real pro and you will blow your mind with your ability to maintain your composure, stay focused and find your authentic swing. I know it will work for Yao. The book gives you great pictures of the pros doing the various poses of yoga for the specific piece you want to work on. It is very simple. 15 minutes a day in your backyard or living room and no other inventment besides sweat equity. All this conversation about Yao will change nothing. Only Yao can do this. It is NOT a matter of his size, yoga does not discriminate. Everyone has a point of "balance" within them, those who choose to find it will unlock a heck of allot more then just a good golf swing. Give it just two weeks on your own, and you'll have a revelation from within. Or just continue doing what you're doing, and get the same results. It really works.
reggietodd, here's your post from yesterday: I don't know if you read my response, but Barry's comments on 610 were probably a reaction to his comments in the Chron. this morning that "some guys just can't do it (throw a good post-entry pass)" and I'll agree that throwing Yao lobs is difficult for the reasons Jeff explained. But how did Barry's comments vindicate your post? I guess to you JVG's comments in the Chron. make no sense. Why would we need to throw throw the ball a lot more to a guy with bad hands in order to be successful? If I shared your opinion about Yao's hands I'd want him traded yesterday . I'm so glad I disagree. Ironically my response to yours really made me feel pretty good when I picked up the chronicle this morning. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=103732
I think the reason Yao not catching those lobs is mostly because of the passer's passing skill and a lot to do with timing. I wish every single one of the Rockets will just work on this timing and lob to Yao. Except T-Mac and sometimes Alston, other guys are not that good in making the lob pass.
Yao's balance issue is overrated in lob passes. The role of balance in lob passes is that the receiver can use good balance to cover more area. In the presence of Yao, his stature and arm length already covers no less space than a 7 footer with good balace. The problem of lob passes is that guards hesitate too much, causing the opposing team to double and sandwich Yao and making the pass difficult. The reason of guards hesitating is because of lack of chemistry with Yao and familiarity with lob passes(relatively speaking a lob pass is a rare passing need), they don't seem to know at precisely what point does Yao want the ball, and timing is a factor as well. They are afraid to commit turnovers. This should be improved by practice.
