20+ 10 would be a worthwhile goal. But I'd expect 20+ 9 to be more likely. I think he'll be in the 21-22 ppg range by the end of the season, and maybe 9.5 rpg. Speaking of Yao on the Verge, has anyone else noticed that he's leading the team in FT% (well aside from Stephen Graham who went 6/6 in his short stint with the team). That's pretty amazing to have a 7'6" center shooting 84% from the line. And he's shooting nearly 90% since December. And the way he's historically raised his FG% throughout his career and throughout the season, I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that he could one day have a .600 FG% and .900 FT% year. That would be insane.
Yeah, I just multiplied his per game average by 26 (before yesterday's game) so it will be even easier than I thought.
I voted "won't make it to the end of the season". Yes, that is pessimistic. My feeling is that the thugs all around the league will do their best to "accidentally" step on Yao's painful toe.
I'm loving Yao's play coming back after injury. He's taking more shots (even if he misses them) and grabbing more boards. He played 42 minutes yesterday, which is unbelievable considering he's 7'6" and 300+ lbs, and couldn't run to keep his conditioning because of his toe. Oh yeah, it was also a back-to-back game.
On the other hand, he got to the line. This is very important to him because (1) he shoots FT's very well, (2) it means he's playing aggressively and (3) maybe most importantly, it means he's actually getting his due in calls. Unless he gets more efficient, he will need to get to the line more consistently to consistently average that many points. It's just as easy to look at the NY game where he couldn't score a point in the 2nd half. His shot was off, which is okay, but what isn't is the fact that he was settling for those fade-away jumpers. He should have been taking it to the rack. I think that mistake 3rd foul at the end of the half took him out of the game mentally, though.
Some friends and I were talking about this point just the other day. Yao was seeming to hit his stride in December, was getting a bit more physical with guys, got a T-foul and was putting up great numbers and then the toe thing happened. He appears to be picking up where he left off though so that is very encouraging AND he has been increasing his minutes with each game. I think Yao can easily put up 25-30pts and 12-15rbs per game if given enough touches and playing time...
I have come to the conclusion that if we put an instinctive rebounder on the floor with Yao for 30+ minutes a game, Yao will easily average 10 rebounds per game. I'm talking about the Chuck Hayes/Dennis Rodman/Reggie Evans type of player that moves around when the shot goes up and probes the paint for space and moves opponent players off the block, not just some athletic player that freezes under the basket and watches the ball all the way to the basket. If we keep a guy like that on the floor with Yao, he will create space, and Yao's 7'6" height will then give him primary access to the ball, and he won't have the ball ripped away from him as often.
Too late CLASSIC MOMENT....archived! I can see it happening only if T-mac lets it happen... besides I'd rather have two 1st options..................
No, Yao's improvement definitely has something to do with Tracy. The formula seems to be _____________ Yao--Check Tracy--Check Mate
The good thing about Yao is that quickness is not huge part of his game. So even when he hits 30+, he'll still be able to do the same kinds of things he's doing now. In that sense he's worth every penny of the MAX in my opinion.
I can see Yao hitting 22/9 a game. I really don't see him being the go to guy in the clutch though. Tracy has that spot wrapped up. As far as rebounding goes, I don't ever think Yao will be a great rebounder. He's not quick enough and doesn't have the hands to be a great rebounder. I love the way the guy has been playing as of late and hope he can stay on this streak for a while.
hard to say that though How many times has he had the ball in his hands in the clutch? not enough . . .we have to see what he made of. . . perhaps we need to give it to him at the end of the 1st three periods for a while Rocket River
What I meant was. . . Tracy does not have to falter for Yao to improve Most of Yao's improvement is mental He has the skills Rocket River
Yes, very insightful. Yao needs space. He has to play within his limit, being slow, that smaller, better jumpers are going to get in front of him and draw over-the-back fouls, steal his tips, or strip him. He's not going to jump or go to the ball, it comes to him. When he has a helper, They can box out better. There's no over-the-back when his own guy is front . One other mental adjustment that gets respect is going into the teeth of a double, when the star has the advantage. Yao can score over lesser defenders even when there are two people, when he has his game on. All the real stars do this, and it gets them calls, free throw trips, and points. It's the willingness to attack, and not pass off. This is the thing that makes them seem unstoppable. The great players in the league play against a double every night and still "get theirs". Yao can do a little more of this, then mix in his ability to pass out as the attention creates space. Yao having a "helper" forward that can rebound, set picks, and play D should also mean Yao he can conserve energy playing defense in close to the basket, while the forward chases to the perimeter with his superior mobility . That gets the Rockets more Yao minutes and better use of his size, given limited mobility.
Very well said. Completely agree. One thing I'll add is the PF hitting wide open 10-15 footers would help. I've said before the Horace Grant of the Bulls is exactly the PF we need with Yao.
