I can't believe that Yao is the only player on the team shooting over 80%. In act, only three player on the team are even over 75% (James and Head). That's just pathetic.
You know, I'm starting to feel better about the Rockets because of Yao. First, he has began voicing his concerns about the Rockets. It's a sign Yao may well emerge as a vocal leader. Now, the Rockets have a terrible night at the free-throw line and he chooses to lead by example by not leaving practice until he makes 200 free throws. I just hope the other Rockets listen to him and learn from his example. Also, It's this kind of work ethic that makes it impossible for me to ever be unhappy with Yao. I wish all of our players were as dedicated to basketball as Yao.
Well, Big Yao practiced his free throws in every of his shootout practice. As a matter of fact, during those days with Tom Thibodeau, he could not end his shootout practice without making 10 consecutive free throws. If he missed one, he had to restart again. And those free throws routines were put after practicing his shots/jumpers from 7 different spots, where he had to shoot 20 attempts. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showpost.php?p=2322434&postcount=32
dedication,determination and desire. YAO earns his previlage for those tech fts as well as our respect
I sometimes wonder how much T-Mac's shooting, specifically free throw shooting, would be if he fixed his damn cross eye problem.
There is no excuse for NBA level players to shoot so poorly from the free throw line in a game. However, I think part of the contributing factor was probably being a little tired from the long road trips (not bending your knees and shooting lazy free throws as per Calvin Murphy) as well as the fact that when you are on the road so much you don't practice as much, so you don't keep your rythm.
I love Deke as well and wish the best after basketball, but can you imagine him as an assistant coach.....after a huddle players would be like....what the ***** did he just say?
New players, new system. It takes time to adjust. Once everyone learns the new free throw schemes, everything will be fine.
So when did NBA change to some new free throw scheme ? IMHO, there is nothing new about making free throws. It is all about practice, practice, practice; it is about fundamental, eye and hand co-ordination, the shape and form that you release your shots; it is also about ice coolness and toughness that players can still make the free throws during clutch time. Some NBA players just either did not have the fundamental, had very odd form and shape to shoot the ball from the charity stripe or are just too lazy to put in the time and effort for its practice.
I'd like to see Yao in the post more. His FTA are down because he is no punishing fools down low. You don't get fouls while shooting 16 foot jumpers. So if Yao really wants to get some calls, he needs bully these guys on the low block like he knows how to do. Remember the wise words of JVG, "Down low, Yao is dominant. Take him out of the post, and he's average."
