There are a few immutable facts here. There's no denying it: Yao struggles with double teams and absolutely crumples when fronting defenses come into play. In that respect, he's far from being a dominant player, and he needs to learn to deal with those types of defenses. However, we've all seen what Yao is capable of doing when he faces single coverages. Teams like the Kings and Pistons keep only one man on him most of the time. Yao is pretty much as dominant inside as you can get in situations like those (even with a great defender like Big Ben guarding him). That's also the reason why he's also able to play Shaq one-on-one quite effectively. Ilgauskas is a good player. He's just as big a defensive presence as Yao, and a better shot-blocker and rebounder to boot. Nonetheless, in single coverage, which one is more capable of scoring at will? Ultimately, that is the big man I'd rather have on my team.
What the hell are you talking about and what are you trying to prove by comparing Yao to Z? So they have similiar traits in their game,but it doesn't mean they're equal player. Nobody wants or expect Yao to be like Shaq except for people like you who over look Yao for what he does and the impact he has on the team compared to other similiar center(Smits,Z...). All we want is for him to improve every facets of his game especially rebounding, that is it.
Do u watch rockets game at all and do u watch Cavs games? If u notice Yao, he gets double teamed almost every single time. Why do u think Yao gets so much attention? When he is not double teamed, Yao dominates inside and he is almost impossible to be stopped and scores almost every possesion and thats why he is a career 52% shooter and is one of the leaders in FG% every season. Big Z does not get that much attention because he does not have the offensive game that Yao has. Big Zs 15/7 and Yao 19.9/9 might not be much of a difference, but stats does not prove who is better. If u watch the games u can tell. I watch every single Rockets games and some Cavs games (only because of LBJ) on NBATV. And talking about foul troubles, Big z is right there averaging 3.90 FPG while Yao is 4.0 FPG. Also at first everyone wanted Yao to be Shaq...but IMO i think everyone knows that he wont be Shaq, thats not his type of game, which is fine...he still dominates inside in his own way. Dont understand why u stuck with the same old conversation about Yao to be like Shaq...its getting too old now.
That's a 32% difference in scoring, and 28% more rebounds. Pretty big difference in my book. ( I agree with all your points, just want to differentiate Yao, 'cuz he is MUCH better than Z).
That's the problem. With the new defenses - it's a question of getting him the ball. Teams are starting to employ the same tactics against Shaq - and getting similar results.
Yao's best defense is the fact he's 7'6" and around 310 lbs. Once he gets in the paint, his presence makes up for any quickness issues. He instantly becomes defense when taking the court. You can't teach Z to do that.
Hey, you forgot Dream and Marcus Camby. Both quick, do everything and decent outside shooting center.
Big Z does have a lot in common with Yao: big, soft touch, etc. But Z is a different type of player, he is more like current Brad Miller and previous Vlad Divac although the former two are better passer. None of them are true traditional centers. Only Yao and Shaq are true traditional centers in this league. In addition, Z is not asked as much as Yao is by coach, that's probably the reason Z got more offensive rebounds. So the thread title should be "Miller and Big Z" that makes no sense on this board.
