Because there seems to be a strong consensus by most of the Clutch readers that Ming is gonna get shoved around in the paint, why not use him as a PF? EG and Cato could do double-duty at the 5, and, with some subtle changes in the offense, MoT could share minutes with Ming at the 4. Let him get some buff in the weight room, then move him to the 5 in 2 years. Is this ridiculous?
I don't think Ming has anywhere near the foot speed or reaction time to be guarding the KG's, Rasheed Wallace's, and Dirk Nowitski's of the world.
Yao is made for 5, don't you think? He is a pure center stuff. BTW, I don't believe he will be pushed around. Everyone is going to have problem when pushing a 300 pound mass who happens to be 7"5 tall.
Exactly, the center position is extremely weak but PF is extremely strong. He would have MUCH more trouble...we should match him up against the other scrub centers of the L and let Griffin develop in the position he is best suited for. Rudy, please don't turn him into Horry....
TO EVERYONE ON THIS THREAD: Here's my point...... Every few years (half a generation, or so) there's a person that re-defines a "position" in BBall. Those players include: 1. Miken, then Wilt. First big men that could really move. Big centers were not uncommon then (didn't the Knicks have 2 or 3 guys over 7' when Miken came into the league?), but those two, particularly Wilt, were the dawn of a new era. 2. Big O. Oscar was the first 6'8" guy that could soar. Now the league is full of them. 3. Magic. First time a 6'9" guy had those-type ball skills. Could pass, shoot, and, even though he wasn't an amazing jumper, could post over most 1 - 4's in the league. 4. Nowitzki. First 7' guy that could knock down 3's like no end; plus drive to the hole with speed and grace. Yeah, Garnett's probably more athletic, but his range is limited compared to Dirk's. 5. Shaq. Maybe not the first of his kind, but at least re-defined the massive intimidator in the paint. We'll see more like him in the next 10 to 20 years. Anyway, is it a stretch to think that in 15 years that 7'3" PF's will not at all be uncommon? Could Ming be the first in that chapter? Would we be underutilizing his skills (supposedly shoots lights-out from inside 18') by posting him up and potentially letting him get pounded by stronger, albeit shorter, centers? No question he'll need to play within the paint most of the time, but would the greatest leverage be to allow him to take advantage of the huge mismatches he'd create by playing a "4'ish" position?
Only against the Lakers in the Playoffs so he could be used as a shotblocker and to clear glass. It is very dificult to defend basket from penetration, clear glass, and be a speed hump for Shaq at the same time. Let Cato be the speed hump. Let Shaq try his baby hook over Cato with Ming backing him up.
I was not really surprised by the title of this thread...coz I have heard another genius say Ming should play at the 3 before...come on guys...he is a 5...period
