I know this may not be a big deal to all.. but did anyone notice that Yao was taking the ball out after PHX scored last night? This is usually done by Luis Scola, or any other PF, So that Yao could get up the floor and get position rather than being the last one down trying to hustle back in. I'm in no way saying that this is the reason we lost, but IMO I think the PF should handle this responsibility. That extra couple of seconds it takes for Yao to run up and get position matters. Yao loses effectiveness the further away from the basket he is, and in turn effects the whole team. Who should take the ball out? Thoughts?
I thought that Battier pretty much always handled the in-bound pass. Barry and Scola very occasionally do it too. Admittedly, I don't pay a lot of attention to the inbound passer. The commentators said something about how Adelman told Yao that it's fine to let the play develop before he gets down there... something like 'he wants to see if the guys can do anything by themselves before Yao joins in'. *shrug*. I don't think its a big deal.
i think it goes back to Adelman telling Brooks to attack if there's an opening as he dribbles upcourt instead of just setting up the post right away. I think they saw Yao was often walking/joggin right smack in the middle of the lane as Brooks was looking to drive, so maybe they figure if they hold yao back a second or two, then that puts Aaron ahead of him and leaves the lane less clogged initially.
Yeah ... the philosophy has changed a bit, I think. They used to want Yao to run down the floor hard and get early post up opportunity. Now, they want the other guys to probe the defense early and see if there can get a good look. If not, then they have Yao with 14 seconds on the shot clock to get the ball to.
Good point. Adelman's approach to all this is excellent. Trying to beat fronting defenses, and trying to see if the offense can function without Yao, that is. Plus, if Yao inbounds the ball, he can set up a screen much earlier than running down to the other end of the court, then running back up to the top of the key.
I think I like this better. They mentioned how Yao always ran back so hard just so he could get position. He then would have to fight for position the entire time. Now, the other guys are already in position and is just waiting for him to flash.
That was a terrible play by Yao, but Brooks should take part of the blame too. Brooks needed to come toward the ball as the guard.
I watched the game again, and I counted Yao inbounding the ball 23 times (18 out of 23 in the first half). Is this a new strategy? Hope it works in the playoff.
