I can say that against the Thunder, Brooke Lopez was a worthless slug who didn't play worth a dime and scored only 4 points until garbage time. Yi was doing it all in the first half and his only help was from Courtney Lee. Devin Harris looked pretty bad too. Sure enough Yi scored off assists, but he also created his own shot. I should also add that when the Thunder made their big run late in the 3rd quarter and on into the 4th, Yi wasn't able to step up and keep the Nets in the game. Give him time. The Nets guards are just trash.
I saw him in person at the Rockets-Nets game. The guy is quite an impressive specimen and has pretty good skills (smooth jumper, for one). He's finally putting things together and getting used to the physical play at the NBA. I used to think he's Stromile Swift but now it seems he has a future.
I can't believe how he's been more aggressive since his return. Seems like this aggressiveness is also helping his jumpers. Here's his 4 games stats after return: vs Min: 22 pts/8 rebs 7-12 FG vs Hou: 17 pts/6 rebs 6-13 FG vs Okc: 29 pts/7 rebs/2 steals 11-20 FG vs Nyk: 22 pts/6 rebs/2steals/2 blocks 9-16 FG Notice that he averaged more than 50% FG and shot 4 to 6 FT in every game. Hope he can keep it up the aggressiveness.
I've been saying all along, Yi is a beast. Scola + Battier for Yi and Courtney Lee doesn't sound like such a ridiculous trade proposal now does it? Especially when you consider the current decline of Battier and the inevitable decline of Scola in a few years.
Why on earth do you think the Nets will take Yi + Lee for Battier + Scola? Morey "Sup Kiki hows life" Kiki "nothing much, what you here for" Morey "Oh i am just here to rape you" Kiki " Ok i will bend over"
I think some players react better under the GM who brought him because he understands his strength and style better than under a coach espically if that coach was lawrence Frank
He put in alot of work on his strength and conditioning this past summer and its paying dividends. He has a very high ceiling.
this is the result of the coaching change. interesting to note that in the history of the NBA, there have been 3 publicized cases where a first round pick refused to sign w the team that had drafted him. KiKi V, SF3 and Yi Jianlian. All 3 have incurred the wrath of the NBA populace; Kiki and SF3---after some all-star seasons---were eventually accepted by the NBA populace. after 2 journeyman-like season, Yi still known for his much publicized acrimonious spat w the Bucks. The coaching change is paying dividend; KiKi has injected confidence in Yi, whose play (at least on the offensive end), thus far, has been all-star like.
actually, before this season he has never been able to together back-to-back good games. so far this season, since the coaching change, he has had 4 consecutive great games.
Lets not forget Danny Ferry. I think the coaching change has definitely helped. Kiki and Rod Thorn brought Yi to the Nets. He is their guy. If Yi doesn't perform, Kiki looks bad. Sometimes it helps having the guy who bought the grocery also do the cooking.
I read an article somewhere that said that Yi's production on the court has more to do with off the court. They said his english has improved and he is able to communicate better, so he isnt so lost now in plays. I do believe this has some merit. Im glad to see him turning the corner. Maybe we can trade for him but I am not convinced that him and Yao really like each other.....
I don't know if I would say Yi has started strong, but your 2nd comment is correct. Let's see if he can keep it up this time. The Nets' season is already done. Since the games have no meaning, this should give Yi every opportunity to play loose and succeed.
Yi be of great man. That be where the birth of the legend. Not of the legendary cloth that be worn by the greatest of all men: Yao. But close and better than any other NBA player. He is like mighty lion that grows strength on the plains of the earth!
