or even playing in the first quarter. Let's play Yao 8 minutes in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th quarters. Sitting Yao for the 1st quarter seems to make too much sense. It will feel like old times for 3 quarters, instead of a team with a new identity every half quarter. Yao has been even slower than normal on defense this season. I can't remember the last time Yao fouled out of a game in 23 minutes, and it happened on opening night. Then again, the Maverick series was bad, but that the fault of crooked refs, not Yao. This plan will also allow Yao to avoid fouls (normally created by starters) in the early 2nd quarter, while allowing him the luxury of 2 fouls per quarter. And that's just on D. Offensively Yao and the Rockets will be able to find a RHYTHM. Yao has averaged roughly 8 minutes a quarter for his career. At least this way we can have the "old Yao's" subbing schedule back for 3/4 of the game. Yao will also get better looks against every team's back up center. This may not be necessary later down the road when Yao's minutes get increased, but I think it's something to consider. Miller won't get any younger or quicker as the season goes on, giving him the bulk of his minutes early game, early season, would be the best way to utilize his age. If the Rockets can just keep games close in the first quarter, this could be the answer. The only drawback is it might hurt Les's wallet by demoting Yao, but I think we would all rather see that, than a limited Yao. I think Yao would too, he's had far too many limitations lately. Let him off the LEASH. This plan could also help Brooks find his rhythm in the first quarter when he returns. What do you guys think? Thoughts?
Yao should play the first quarter because Yao's best stats are in the first quarter. Also, I think Yao plays in 4th quarter is a disaster for the team and himself. In the whole Yao era, the 4th quarter collapses have been following him. This season, Yao had some really ugly +/- stats in 4th quarter.
I think it's a great idea. Let Kyle and Ish run & gun the 1st quarter and wear down the opposing team - then Yao comes in to clean house.
I think we should sit our entire starting lineup in the first quarter. Then they don't have to worry about foul trouble and can play 36 minutes straight.
If our entire starting lineup was playing their 6th game in 19 months with doctors orders, I'd almost agree with you if got the team wins. Almost.
I agree with the original poster. Not sure why it's rated so badly. We need him more at the end of games.
Definitely. The 4th quarter is a different animal. We need hustle players to defend and attack. We need someone can get crucial rebounds and dive for the lose balls. Yao was not good in the 4th quarter even when he was healthy. Also, there is a bigger risk that Yao will be injured in pressures.
I like the Yao as a 6th man idea simply because it is easier to develop rhythm for a 24min player to come off the bench. It would get Scola/Brooks/Martin more plays ran for them to get started and Yao will be able to play with both contrasting PG's. I would imagine this would also bolster our defense if Hill continues to improve. We just need consistency in our starting lineup and if Yao continues to be in and out of games then we will never develop such a thing. The only problem with this idea is that Yao and Scola do a good job of getting opposing teams big men in foul trouble early but it may be something we have to give up.
So do you think it would be beneficial to play Yao only the first three quarters or keep his minutes the way they are. I really don't care which quarter he sits as long as he gets 8 minutes and 2 fouls a quarter. I do believe your best players should finish the game.
you have to actually watch the games you realize that right? the reason why Yao starts is because 1) it establishes the tempo of the game, on offense but especially on defense. the first quarter of games is often significant esp in the playoffs where there's a correlation between 1st quarter leads and wins. establishing the tempo is important for many reasons, including making the 2nd unit (most teams 6th man but with this team the entire 2nd unit) more disruptive and more effective 2) Yao needs touches early to get going. anyone who has watched Yao for the past 7 years understands that he isn't going to be effective in the 2nd half if he doesn't get touches early and into his rhythm
