I don't think it's that big a leap in production. The last season he had for Tau where he played comparable minutes (30), Luis averaged 17 pts on 60% shooting, 7.2 rbs, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals. Yes, during the same season you mentioned. Most of the seasons Luis played for Tau, he played fewer minutes (usually around 28-29... 30 was unusual) and was depended on to score more. In fact, his scoring average was higher than this season's average every year he played there, excepting his first, despite the fewer minutes (which is common in Europe. From what I understand, they typically don't play as many minutes. Nothing like the minutes we see here). In other words, I don't think it was a "big leap." That was Armstrong's line on the Moon.
OK, how about a "small step" then? I agree with you that his lower rebounding numbers with Tau probably had to do with his having to score more. But that's what I find impressive about him. He goes from being the center of offense who is more intent on scoring than rebounding, to playing a complementary piece who rebounds, does the dirty work and picks up points wherever he can. And he's thriving as if he's been doing it throughout his career. I don't think a lot of players can make such a major change in the way they approach the game, especially in their prime. Maybe that's another reason why I'm so impressed with his rebounding numbers this season.
I'll definitely take a "small step." Heck, if he helps us get out of the first round, you can call it anything you want! Scola's the kind of player it's easy to like. Smart, tough, relentless... he makes the most out of the physical gifts that he has. It's been said here many times, but after years of trying, the Rocks finally found their starting 4, and he's a good one. The Spurs are never going to get over losing him. Ain't it grand? VIVA SCOLA!!!
Okay... Yao is always the tallest player on the court. So every time some beats him to a rebound, it's a smaller player. Well duh, I guess. And so what if he doesn't have Scola's hands? Are you trying to argue whether Yao's a bad rebounder? Or that he's not the most perfect basketball player who can defy the laws of physics by moving like a SF at 7-6?
You know, it is possible to point out another player's deficiencies without intending to take a slam at that player. Clearly, Yao doesn't have Scola's hands and nose for the ball. And if Yao did have Scola's nose for the ball, he's simply too large and clumsy, in comparison, to reach rebounds Scola can snag in heavy traffic. It's not Yao's fault that he's built the way he is. Heck, it's a big plus. Yao grabs boards coming off the rim or the backboard that are difficult for many to reach. That's what 7'6" will do for you. I think your "roll-eyes" (I hate the stupid things) wasn't deserved by rockbox. Not at all.
I think it does deserve the "rolleyes". My original post simply stated that Yao's the sixth leading rebounder in the league. And that he grabs just as many rebounds as Scola on a per-minute basis. Therefore he's not the horrible rebounder half the posts before me implied he is. Rockbox's response is basically the same generic robot-like response that everyone says about Yao without even thinking. What was his point? To tell me Yao has deficiencies with his hands? Well, every Rockets fan has known this since his rookie year. But it still doesn't say anything about whether or not this makes Yao a bad rebounder. If he had disagreed with me and point out that Yao is a bad rebounder despite his stat because his stat is inflated due to...[include argument]. Then I could accept that. But he did nothing of the sort. Just some generic robotic post that many people like to make every time Yao and rebounding are discussed.
Sorry. Ignore my above post. I missed rockbox's point and it was my fault. And sorry, rockbox, for my posts above. It was bad reading comprehension on my part and I really wish I can delete it now.Unfortunately I don't know how the contributing member thing works. I've sent Clutch some money before, but never received the status. So unfortunately I can't just delete them and pretend they never existed.
