Cool, JVG and I are both on record as saying Rox in 5. I think the reasoning behind the "Portland won't front Yao" argument is based on the fact that Joel Przybilla and Greg Oden are true centers in that they're more accustomed to playing behind down on the block. The big caveat here is that if the Blazers put LaMarcus Aldridge on Yao, rest assured that he'll be fronting as he's smaller (i.e. less thick) and quicker than Yao would be down on the block. I could see a scenario where they put Aldridge on Yao and double big with either Przybilla or Oden off of Scola. I would definitely expect this if Hayes is in the game for Scola for defensive purposes.
And I went against my idol by saying these Rockets can't win on the road. I wonder if he still will allow me to worship him?
I also said Rox in 5. but I think except Utah, Portland are a worst matchup for rox in Western. But Rox should win. I also believe Rox has the best chance to defeat fakers among western teams. I am JVG-only-fan. Among the top coach, I dislike PJ/pop/Pat/Larry Brown. My favorate are VG brothers/avery johnson/carlier.
Yeah...this is a possibility with Artest and Brooks. It's not like it's impossible, it happens twice a week.
He was on XM 144. And he said they have never followed that philosophy. When they did, it really killed them on the penetration. He said Portland only will have a small chance if they win game 1.
They'll put Aldridge on Yao. In Rox/Blazers 2nd meeting, Aldreige/Roy's pick'n roll got them back into the game, almost stole the game away.
He's only telling the truth.......too many people on this board have lost faith with the team..... RonRon WILL step up his game in the playoffs.....Yao will be a beast... He knows the real season starts NOW!
Exactly, he must think Nate is as stubborn as him. I just hope Nate fronts Yao with Przbilla/Oden and doesn't go small.
Gotta love JVG. He is always gonna have a special something for the Rockets in his heart. I love the way he stands up for us when Mark Jackson starts talking garbage about us on national tv
What do you expect the Rockets will do in order to counter fronting? Our execution ability is poor. How can we then win in 5 or for that matter at all?
Three things they can try to do. 1) get Yao the ball on the move. When the Blazers start to show a fronting defense, get Yao the ball while moving across the lane off of a cross-screen. Start with Scola or Battier or Artest on the low block showing a post up look and then going to set a screen on Yao's man so that Yao can have a free look at moving across the lane to receive the entry pass. Catching it on the move prevents the front from affecting the play. It also eliminates all the time spent with the post-entry feeder holding the ball hoping that Yao can get around the front. Too many times (see the Mavs game), the wing passers were holding the ball hoping Yao could get around Bass or Hollins. 2) If they front Yao, he's got to be able to pin them on his back so that when the ball rotates (either through a dribble drive or a pass to a cutter at the high post) a better angle is presented for the post-entry pass. The latter is illustrated here. 3) Once fronted, have Yao abandon the post (immediately!) to try and set up a pick and roll or pick and pop play. I think this can only be done if a PG is trying to initiate the offense. If Ron or Shane are trying to feed Yao, I don't think the PNR or Pick and Pop will work as they're not as good at creating offense off the dribble.
Good post. The Rox waste too much time deciding what to do when Yao is fronted, most times the strong side wing holds the ball waiting for an opening to pass the ball to Yao and the I would say the majority of the times Yao does not get the ball and they have to reset the play. The Rox seem to freelance a play when Yao is fronted which results in poor execution. They need run these plays you mentioned as plays.
I am an NYC homer...but guess what? I am visiting my old grounds in September! LHUTZ! I miss thee! GET RIDDY TO ROOOOMBULL!!!!!!!!
Guards just need to attack the paint. They don't need to finish it because Yao will be there for offense board. If the guards satisfy with the jumper without ball movement as AB and Ron did in the 3rd quarter at Dallas and the jumpers doesn't fall, rox get trouble.
I am sure he hated coach Rick Adelman dumb decision to leave Scola guarding Dirk in the Dallas' game cuz he would not do that shyt.
Wow... EVERYONE I hear loves Portland...except for JVG. He is the most credible of them all. I hope he ends up being right.
