7 yrs later and we're still talking about the same bs. 300 lbs men shouldn't try to take charges. That's the difference between learning how to play like a big overseas vs learning from thompson and guy lewis. Yao should go get mark eaton takes and watch him. Eaton always had his arms up, not by his side.
Sad but true. Yao never seems to learn from his mistakes on either end of the court. He's like a robot that can't be upgraded. That said, I still think Deke's advice can have at least a minor effect here and there on Yao's defensive approach. I like the idea of Deke constantly in his ear during practice and games, reminding him of fundamentals. It certainly can't hurt.
forget it deke you are a mans man, yao just wants world peace they dont build em (physical or mental) like they used to
I would agree with him, but the NBA calls charges a lot more these days. It used to be that it was hard to get a charge, now everytime someone falls down there is a charge. That, plus Yao's lack of explosiveness and relatively short arms mean he will never be a great shotblocker.
thats what people dont get! yao is who he is he aint never gonna change. hes always gonna be a good big man but never a great one rox will need to look for someone else to lead yao and the team if they ever want a championship
MrClutch- Deke stood in there against a pissed off shaq and stood his ground in the finals. Dream and Zo also had to battle a young, anfry shaq and not 1 time did I see those guys trying to take a charge. Then you watch Big Z, Vlade, Yao, and the other overseas bigs, they flop and fall. That's the way they train bigs overseas, almost like guards. That's why all are considered soft. Big guys don't take take charges. They stand strong and contest shots. In the dallas playoffs, yao got a lot of fouls trying to draw charges. Most were inside the restricted area. The halftime crew kept saying that yao isn't going to get that call and he should jump to contest the shot. 4 yrs later, we're still talking about it. Like Brooksball said, he's like a non upgradeable computer. I'm thinking Tandy TR80.
I've seen Shaq try to draw a charge on a couple of occasions over the years. Yao only recently has gone back to it but I think they both have done it because of their frustration with officiating ... it just seems like officials award falling more because of all the bs calls they get called against them when players flop on them.
Yao's instinct seems to be to cut off the offensive player and get between him and the basket rather than meeting him at the rim. That's why he picks up so many blocking calls from quicker guys. Do you ever see Camby or any other good shotblocker try to square up the driver before he even gets into the paint? Exactly like Deke said, Yao tries to play defense with his chest.
He's taken a few good charges in recent games and gotten the call. The only problem I have with it is the possibility of injury. I cringe a bit when I see him do it. Why can't a big man do both, take charges and block shots? Does it have to be one or the other?
Are you implying Deke is fast? It's not about being fast, just reading the ball, guys like Deke and Yao are already at an advantage because they are higher off the ground when just standing compared to the shooter. Deke doesn't launch himself rapidly to get the ball after it's released, he can afford to wait for its release because he's got less distance to cover to the ball because of his height. Yao's problem before was that he ALWAYS slapped down on blocks, now he only does it half the time.
While true its still stands that when he jumps and lands he puts more pressure on the landing therefore creating more stress ala increased stress fracture. Also to point out freak accidents of landing wrong. Also to point out the possibility of landing on someones foot to make for a awkward bending. Also to note the fact that he does lower his foul calls. True he gets a blocking foul once ina while but he gets more fouls attempting a block. Not to mention that the opponent would think that Yao would try to block and purposely draw the block but no instead draws the charge. These are just the positives of him drawing the charge. I will say I would rather see his opponent get wtfbbqstfu blocked, if the ball ends up back in our hands I am still happy. Now I guarantee that if it wasnt KB24 he would have drawn the charge on that lowered shoulder. Something to think about.
can't beat em join em I say. Let them run into the Wall. probably less chance of getting injured them jumping to block a shot.
Most player's face is right at Yao's elbow level. I know when I guard guys much taller than me, I always watch out for their elbows. A flying elbow is what's missing from Yao's repetoire. Teach Yao how to be a menacing giant, Deke.
yao is not a great defender I don't expect that to change. mutombo was here last year and yao wasn't that great of shot blocker. I honestly like yao taking the charge I've seen it the past 2-3 games and hes been in great position. I think the refs are not used to it but the more they see it I believe they will have to call it. being 7'6 its a shame he doesn't block a lot shots but he so big he can clog up the paint in other ways and draw fouls on the opponent
And if Deke wants to teach him something how about rebounding. I dont care that he got 16 or whatever rebounds last night hes 7'6. he misses out on 6 or 7 boards a game because of incorrect technique. when the shot goes up he runs right to the rim and gets out of position. somebody tell him to find your man and put a body on him and go meet the ball PLEASE. and when you get it put the ball on your chin so your elbows stick out instead of holding it above your head.
When I saw that last night, a little piece of me died. Yao is 11 feet tall. He should be going for the block. You're the freaking center. You are the last line of defense. There is also the intimidation factor.
Taking charges is fine. However when those ****ing refs don't buy it and call those perfect charges as blocking foul, then Yao should listen to Deke and stop it.
God how I missed those elbows! If you teach Yao anything Deke, teach him that! Then Odom will have a second thought before trying to get that jump ball
