To surpass Dream in blocks, he will have to be faster on his feet and have a long career. Since we can't speculate on the length of his career, is there any indication he is quick enough to get enough blocks?
I like Yao and everything but he will never be the blocking king Olajuwon is. Even if he practices he will get better but the dream had something Yao doesn't when it comes to blocking shots.
But I think, given the news reports, we know he has instincts and athleticism. I would argue those are independent of straight up "quickness." For example, Mutumbo has the quickness and timing to block shots, but not the athleticism or "hands" to be much of an offensive force. I hope Yao has both quickness and athleticism. But more quickness than Hakeem? That's a tall order....
Actually, rumor has it that Yaos jumping ability (athleticism) isnt all that great. I think Yao will get most of his blocked shots based purely on his height. He could develop the instinct like Hakeem did. Hakeem had all three factors: height, agility/athleticism and instinct. Mutumbo is not necessarily quick. But he has the height and the instincts/timing. I dont think his insticts are nearly as good as Hakeem's. In fact, I dont think youll find anyone with the instincts Hakeem had. I mean he was only 6'10'' and he is the all time blocks leader. I dont know if anyone will be, inch for inch, a better shot blocker than Hakeem was.
MIng blocks shots because of his height, a la Mark Eaton, but doesn't appear to have the instincts, quickness, or timing that guys like Hakeem, Ben Wallace, or Russell had.
I disagree with you that you need "speed" to block shots. 2 of the BEST shot blockers that I have EVER seen were slow but they had INSTINCT/TIMING. Guys like Mark Eaton (slower than a rock) and Manute Bol (a bit faster than a rock). Yao is clearly quicker than these 2 guys. Only question is if he will develop the timing and we can only wait and see.
They say he got two in practice. He should get more than normal early on as guys try to cahallenge him. They'll learn not to... On the other hand, he said he got blocked like 3 times... not good... unless it was EG!
i think we can't compaire Ming to the dream. Dream was unbelievble but we don't know ow Ming wil turn out. but the blocks i saw ming make (on videoclips) where not purely because of his height, he Does have the instinct and the athleticism, he is not stif like Bol, he is very athletic for someone of his height.
Instinct is exactly what set the Dream apart from other shot blockers. He had the quickness, athleticism, etc. but he had it all wrapped up with the purest instinct I have ever seen. Yao can develop more and will be a tremendous defensive force, but we will have to wait for the Dream comparisons.
