Anyone else notice how much better Yao has been rebounding the ball since he came back from Toe surgery? He has his stats up to 19.9ppg and 9.4rpg....almost 20-10 that we all hope he gets too. He has been much better at getting the rebounds, I think that toe was causing him some MAJOR problems. Much respect to Yao....and here is to his rising up..... to the coveted 20-10 plateau ! GO YAO ! DD
I'm glad someone mentioned that. There was a stretch during the game that he grabbed EVERY rebound and held on to the ball. I think he's just physically fresh, although I hope it's more than that.
Less pain in his toes, hence more movement and he can now freely grab every thing around him without worrying about the pain.
It's only a few games since he has been back but the toe pain must of affected his play before the surgery. Just read that his not 100% and he is still playing with toe pain, I hope this isn't a lingering injury that he has to deal with for the rest of his career.
He is great for his size. But do not expcect too high, He is no quick enough to respond everything. 10 rebounds a game may be best he can get.
I like his play lately, but it seems he hasn't had much competition with the boards. I hope I'm wrong.
I thought he was doing better on the boards before his surgery as well. If I remember correctly, he was averaging 11-12 rebs. on that west coast road trip right before he went out. But I agree, he does look even better now that he is back. He just seems to be moving much more fluidly and smoothly.
You have to think that he would not have had mid season surgery unless his toe really hurt or was effecting his game.
You're right. That's part of it. Another part of it is the fact that Hayes is on the floor, creating havoc and forcing the opposition to account for him by having a player designated to track and box him out. The opponents are having to work so much harder to clear out Hayes that it leaves Yao freed up and able to get the ball off the rim. Hayes never stops moving when the shot goes up. The minute the shot leaves the shooter's fingertips, Hayes is probing the interior, while watching the flight of the ball, in hopes of getting his mits on it. Mark it down, if Hayes continues to get minutes, Yao's rebounding stats will raise over the 10 level.
i've noticed that our guys are doing a better job of boxing out and that includes stromile. thats why they couldn't rebound before.
Don't under estimate the power of a giant! But be pleasantly surprised when he goes well past his present highs.
I was glad to see Yao take one of his late rebounds away from Wesley. Once Yao has the mindset that every rebound around that area is his, we'll be better off as a team. Stop letting those midgets grab it, Yao!
It's all just a conspiracy. There was no toe injury. They just needed an excuse to rest him. They see no sence in jockeying for playoff position the entire season and wearing Yao out. They figure. We will sit him a third of the season and have him come in fresh. They make a push and have fresh for the playoffs. If they don't make the playoffs then they have a built in excuse that all thier players were injured. HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHH
