I think Rafer has a lot to do with Yao's offensive improvement. It is very clear they "click" together and Yao knows he will get the ball almost each and every time he works to get open in scoring position. On defense, he has made huge strides avoid stupid fouls. AT LAST!!!
I agree with what's being said. The next step is for Yao to start demanding the ball. Flat out demanding the ball. I'm talking ball hog, black hole. When he is matched up against teams like the clippers, that's the best way for us to win.
To be a great player Yao has to learn when to demand the ball and make his moves and when to pass out to open teammates. It is not as simple as always pass out of double team or always attack double and triple team.
Yao is certainly more confident and more aggressive. Apart from his obvious improvement, there are at least two external factors. First, since Yao first came, Alston is one of the best in giving him the ball at the right time in the right place. Second, he seems to have finally got the official's respect. They have stopped calling silly ticky tack fouls on him.
Agreed!! Yet I still contend there is still a misterious problem to be addressed. Have another look at yesterdays game because it illustrates exactly what I am refereing to! When Yao Ming plays well and is scoring a decent number of points there is a point that he stops calling for the ball and even moves away from the reception area. Yesterday he had scored more than Track McG and it could be interpreted as thaough he was embarassed to be in the lime light. I was expecting 30-40 points from Yao, as jhe already had 27points, but he just refused to be the one shooting and scoring. Is there going to be a point in his career where JVG is going to tell him that he needs to go for it when he is shooting & scoring at a decent rate? It is almost that Yao refuses to be the 'STAR'. Only on one occasion when Francis told him to go for 40points did we ever see the Star Yao Ming.
The big man has gotten better but he needs to not become complacent, he needs to add on to his offensive repertoire. He will always be a post player while he plays for JVG so I think he should focus on his post game. I was impressed with Chris Kamen and the improvement in his game, I would like to see Yao add a high bank shot off the glass with either a hook or jump shot similar to Kamen and it would be nice if he could use either hand when he scores ala Kamen as well.
I'm glad you mentioned this. Rafer's a big part of why Yao is doing so well of late. defenses aren't allowed to get set and front yao as much because rafer has the ball on a string and is fluid and fast with his movements which keeps defenses off balance. of course Yao is directly responsible by all the work he puts in, he's the most dedicated player on the team according to the coaches but i think Rafer is so smart and savvy at the point that he has a much better idea, more than any previous rockets guard, about when and how to get Yao the damn ball.
you want yao on his ass again? didn't think so. hahahaha. let's just say this: Yao's playing great Rafer's playing great Wesley is shooting great T-Mac is T-Mac, he'll get his numbers, and he'll get out of that slump. The Rockets are taking off now. Let's pummel the warriors, and then trade for Fisher and Murphy
Not as amazing as the posts on the ESPN board. I saw someone there say JVG shouldn't play Yao at all next Monday because he didn't do well last time.
I thought the same thing too It's too much of a coincidence that his stronger play coindided with his comeback to a Rockets team that was struggling. I believe being on the bench watching the Rockets falter triggered something in Yao. Stuart
I guess i need to add another line to my Signature AGAIN: In the coming years. . . T-MAC will be Drexler. . .to YAO'S HAKEEM! This team will go as far as YAO takes it not TMac esp if Tmac don't do it THIS YEAR Rocket River
I think this is 1st and foremost mainly because it is happeening on both ends Yao has learned to absorb contact I don't think the ball is coming much better as much as he is handling it better. Rocket River
I don't think he's gotten the respect of the officials yet. I think he's just learning how important it is for him to be on the floor and he is letting a lot of stuff go early in the game and not being as aggressive on the defensive end early. The whole key to all that is getting to halftime with 2 or less fouls and then getting through the third quarter with 3 or less. Then he can turn it loose defensively in the fourth. Yao has learned to accept the fact that some of those mite guards are gonna get some layups. Just let them have them, stay away from the foul, and get it back on the other end. Be aggressive offensively and get your defender(s) in foul trouble.
