I think Yao is a very intelligent individual. Actually, I believe he has a higher IQ than You, me, & most posters here.
Why are we always so compelled to talk about Yao like he's still a young player, learning the game? I don't think Yao is learning anything at this stage. Yao's a veteran and he's only honing existing skills at this point, not developing new ones. He's had many years to work with Adelman and his staff, and he's never been comfortable playing in the high post. Chuck picked it up, seemingly, in training camp. Some players just get it, and some don't.
I can see where your coming from, it would definitely help since he will be the focal point of the offense a good amount of plays. It would be really awesome to see Yao getting assists to cutters from the high post. Do you have any info on Miller's passing stats?
You can always learn something new, so they say. But Yao probably has it covered for the most part. Then Miller can teach Yao how to deer hunt. And Yao can make a phone call and get him a shoe deal instantly. :grin:
Hakeem got better after 30, so can Yao. Great players add something new to their game every year. Kobe just added a post game ala Dream this year. DD
dharocks I totally agree with you. I would not want him 'settling' for just the 15 footer. I just noticed that often times he is not taking it when they are laying back off him when he gets the ball in the high post. Also, making the 15 footer might stop them from fronting him in the post. We know that has been trouble for him in the past, but maybe having a better supporting cast now will help.
Not really, there are some intelligend people that are slow thinkers, people who analyze and make decisions. Quick thinking folks are not always super bright or smart, but they are able to process things on the basketball court. Moses Malone was not a smart guy, yet as a quick thinker he was able to excel. Maybe call it..."Quick reacting?" Does that make better sense? DD
He wasn't? I think he was. He just didn't sound like it. But quick reacting? I'm not sure there's been anyone quicker at reacting than Moses. In Yao's case, yes, he's highly intelligent and sounds like it, unlike Malone, but he's comparatively slow reacting. In fact, I'd argue that his massive body simply doesn't react as fast as Yao wants it to, which requires adjustments by the coaching staff to compensate.
Yao is OK in the high post. He made some good stuff happen and got better on the 15-18 ft J during the year before the injury. But he's not Brad Miller and even Brad Miller can't make Yao Brad Miller.
I'll agree that "Quick reacting" is not the same as quick thinking..... but quick reacting has more to do whith reflexes than any processing/thinking that is done on the court.....reguardless I can't wait to have Yao back....
