I've watched both and contrary to popular beliefs, Amare is playing very,very well. Its no accident that this is basically the same Phoenix team from last yr that won 30+ games and have the 3rd or 4th best record in the west. Amare is giving the Suns something they haven't had since pretty much Barkely, a bull. yao is giving the Rockets something they haven't had since 97 which is a low post presence. Both players are helping their teams in their own way. I've really enjoyed watching Yao and Amare play this season. I see 2 players who are playing to their stregnths and limitations , instead of trying to be something their not. Amare is playing like the old school power forwards. He's playing like an old Barkley and Malone, just bulling his way and strong arming his way to the rim. Why should he step out to 15ft when he know he can take a dribble, get to 6-8ft and elevate over players for jump hooks or dunks. Anyone on this board can talk about his lack of skill or whatever else, but I would trade Griffin and Taylor for Amare right now. He's intense, attacks the glass and finishes strong anywhere near the basket.His talent was never in question, it was just a matter how fast he was going to get there. In a couple yr when he's able to hit a 15ft jumper and ft's, he's going to surpass the psuedo power forwards like Rasheed Wallace and Chris Webbers of the west. His game is power and thats why they call it power forward. Ming on the other hand is playing very tired right now but still has a big impact on the games the Rockets play. He's so big and blessed with soft hands, that when he's anywhere close to the basket, its pretty much money. In addition to scoring, he's making passes that are either leading to layups,dunks, or fouls. His unselfishness and high basketball iq really is a blessing to this team. To me , these are the 2 best rookies in this already good draft class. Nene,Gooden,Girechek,Butler, and the poor shooting Iverson lite are rounding out to be pretty good. I think this yr rookie class is going to cream the sophmores in the rook-2nd yr all star game.
The problem with this is the perception that Shaq isn't skilled. He's an excellent passer and has developed an array of moves since he came into the league. When he came into the league he was just a dunker and now he's got a hook and that little one handed fadeaway. Shaq doesn't have Yao Ming's skill level but he doesn't need to have Yao's skills. All players gets smarter as the years go by, skilled players have no monopoly on that. Look at Karl Malone, about as raw as anyone I've ever seen and now he has a deadly jumper, can shoot a free throw, can defend, flop, punch, elbow, bite, kick, maim, injure, and pass with the best of them.
