I know this sounds blasphemous. But, just the other night, my buddy was joking around with me and said that the Rockets were a better team without Yao. I laughed it off thinking it was an absolutely absurd statement. But, then I thought about it some more. I couldn't find an adequate counterargument. The Rockets are on a tear and Deke is anchoring what looks to be the best defense in the league. On offense, what was once a stifling system with Yao and outside shooters, is now free flowing and offensively explosive. The only thing I could say to myself to put my mind to ease was that the players are on a hot streak and that once the streak dies down, they need the big guy down low to be the great equalizer. So far that hasn't happen, and it's a good thing. But, I just can't get that idea out of my head...
I think that when Yao is eventually ready to play, he should not be inserted into the starting lineup so soon. First, he needs some more practice with the team to see if his knee still needs conditioning. Second, you are right in saying that this team has TOTALLY adjusted since Yao was diagnosed. Let Yao eventually shift his way into the SL, but for now, its Tmac to the rack, not the Great Wall!
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the key isnt having yao in the game or not, its playing a free flowing, balanced offense. when yao is in the game, jvg doesnt do that. its the reason the 2 cant seem to play their best together. there seems to be a lack of understanding when it comes to using them together.
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Yao has always been a high maintenance player. He takes rhythm away from other players. Other players have to expend more time and energy to get him the ball. Yao has very low assists, almost 0 I think. Yao also has 4th quarter fatigue problems. Without Yao, the Rox play faster and smoother, better rhythm. It's not necessarily Yao's fault, but JVG needed Yao to be the primary scorer when TMac was having problems, and JVG wanted the team to keep passing it to Yao. I really believe JVG should re-evaluate this, even if TMac is hurt. JVG should really not have the team depend on Yao too much. Offense should be more balanced. As long as TMac is well, Yao should be the secondary scorer and concentrate on his defense and rebounding. If TMac is reinjured, the offense should be more balanced and not focus on Yao. Yao does not mind because he is a 100% team player.
Yeah, we a 9-2 without Yao. Very impressive, and the new big guy, even at 40 years, is still a big anchor.
The entire team needs to connect and make a strong link between defending and offense. Teams can double team Yao, then he can pass to the perimeter and from there, 3's can pour. If not, constant passing and penetrating is required and Yao must make way for the penetrator. The dribbler can chose, attack the basket or pass to the open Yao.
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Yao's Team vs TMAC's team debate is interesting but some points we gotta remember.
When TMAC was injured so was alot of the back court was too. We had an inexperienced Head and Alston playing long minutes backed up by Lucas who JVG didnt trust and got next to no minutes and an injured Bonzi.
When Yao is injured we have Mutumbo and Howard Hayes who can fill in. Mutumbo and Howard are older experienced players, Hayes can learn alot from both of them. While Battier can also slot in at PF if need be. Novak gets alittle minutes as a learner as well.
No doubt we are playing well but to say our team is better without Yao is silly. Also I think the team is still Yao's team he will be doing 25ppg/10rpg in the second half of the season if TMAC can get 10apg and +20ppg we have a team who can go all the way.
Our front court is stacked with talent thats all this streak has shown.
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To say that we are better without Yao is stupid. They are actually hiting jumpers, and they have geled as a team with TMAC. When Yao comes back i see us putting up over a 100ppg. We clearly have the best defence in the league so i think its safe to say we will go deap into the playoffs. That is if we can stay healthy which is somthing they havent been able to do.
To say that we are better without Yao is stupid. They are actually hiting jumpers, and they have geled as a team with TMAC. When Yao comes back i see us putting up over a 100ppg. We clearly have the best defence in the league so i think its safe to say we will go deap into the playoffs. That is if we can stay healthy which is somthing they havent been able to do.
Exactly. The team is on a roll right now and with exception of last game, TMac is scoring and shooting a decent percentage. Let's also remember that Deke cannot sustain this level of play for the rest of the season. He will slow down at some point and need some help. Not quite sure we will average 100ppg even when we get Yao back because we have Rafer shooting to much.
Last edited by Jamel Irief : 01-12-2007 at 07:43 PM.
One thing I do have to question while on this topic though is team chemistry. The veteran front court of Deke/Juwan/Battier seem to play very well with each other. Deke rebounds, Juwan shoots mid range jumpers, Battier knocks down 3s in the corner, while T-Mac scores and distributes. Then you have Luther as a spark plug off the bench, Hayes providing more boards, and Snyder/Bonzi as the back-up swingman. And Rafer... well I guess we need a guy other than T-Mac to bring the ball up court.
With Yao back, things get a little bit more complicated - but for the better.
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The coaching could be the reason. JVG needs to spread the ball around more when Yao's in.
Yao is too easy to depend on because he can easily give you the first
10-12 points in every game and an offensive boost anytime. But then when he gets tired in the 4th,
no one knows what to do.
I think Yao himself would prefer a balanced offense.
rockets play way better without yao because whenever yao is on the floor the only thing they do on offence is give yao the ball.. now with him out they can spread there offence around...
Houston better without Yao??
