I thought he surpassed Shaq last year, but alot of people still say (God knows why, the guy is in the twilight of his career and has an average of 13 and 6) Shaq is better. However, I just saw that Yao had a game yesterday where he put up monsterous numbers of 35 points, 17 rebounds and 7 blocks. Those are some pretty disgusting numbers, and not to mention, Houston won the game. I know one game doesn't necessairly make him better than Shaq but I find it strange that people at this point and time still say that Yao is NOT the best center in the league. Or, in the words of T-Mac: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> "I don't care who you try to match up against him, I don't care who you say is the most dominant," McGrady said. "No. 11 on my team, hands down, is the best center in the league." </div>
Yao is the most dominant center in the league right now but I'd take Shaq in his prime over anyone today.
Yao passed Shaq last season....anybody who can honestly say that Shaq is better than Yao right now, is a disillusioned individual.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yao is the most dominant center in the league right now but I'd take Shaq in his prime over anyone today.</div> Well, I'm not gonna say that Yao will ever be as "dominant" as Shaq was when he was with the Lakers but Yao has a ALOT of years left in him (he's only 26). Furthermore, Yao will never be as "dominant" as Shaq...he doesn't weigh 300+ pounds for starters, and his game is different than Shaq's. He actually reminds me of Hakeem (ironic that they both played for the Rockets) with his playing style and if Yao can fully blossom into what he is capable of (games like these are quite telling), then I wouldn't be surprised if the title came straight to Houston - especially with T-Mac.
<div class="quote_poster">THE DREAM Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Yao passed Shaq last season....anybody who can honestly say that Shaq is better than Yao right now, is a disillusioned individual.</div> I definitely agree. I had a hard time accepted that last season, but it's well beyond obvious now.
<div class="quote_poster">Junoon Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Well, I'm not gonna say that Yao will ever be as "dominant" as Shaq was when he was with the Lakers but Yao has a ALOT of years left in him (he's only 26). Furthermore, Yao will never be as "dominant" as Shaq...he doesn't weigh 300+ pounds for starters, and his game is different than Shaq's. </div> Actually, Yao is listed at 310 pounts, but I see what you're saying. He doesn't have the same bulk, because he's about 4 inches taller, and at his size it's pretty much impossible for him to have the same agility/quickness/balance that Shaq had in his prime. And if Yao actually was as proportionately massive as Shaq, it would absolutely destroy his feet (which are already vulnerable as it is). <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He actually reminds me of Hakeem (ironic that they both played for the Rockets) with his playing style and if Yao can fully blossom into what he is capable of (games like these are quite telling), then I wouldn't be surprised if the title came straight to Houston - especially with T-Mac.</div> I don't know if I'd draw the Hakeem comparison either. Yao's post game is sophisticated like Hakeem's was, but he doesn't have the same quickness or dribble drive ability that Hakeem did. He does possess a pretty good midrange jumper and a nice turnaround J like Hakeem had. Yao relies much more on his size and height than Hakeem ever did (remember, he was only 6'11). I don't think Hakeem scored nearly as many points in the paint as Yao has the last few years. As for the Yao vs. Shaq comparison, yes I think Yao is better overall. It will be interesting to see how that matchup plays out tomorrow night. Yao hasn't played well against Shaq, in general, because Shaq is really a great post defender (help defense is another matter). I think Shaq blocked Yao's turnaround jumper twice in a preseason game, and I remember that he did the same to Hakeem once or twice as well back in the day.
I do think Yao can be as dominant if not MORE dominant than Shaq. First off, they're games are totally different. Yao is prolly never gonna dunk on ppl with the authority Shaq did or bang ppl around in the post. BUT Yao has significant advantages. Yao has more range than Shaq. Yao has a better jump hook, and most importantly he HITS HIS FREE THROWS. So if you consider all the factors, Yao definatley can be better. He's only 26. Jus imagine if he continues to work on his game, develops a better jump hook and improves his rebounding.
I still doubt he'll be better than Shaq, but his game is much more well rounded than Shaq's ever was.
Shaq still plays good, but his numbers are dropping and Yao's becoming a monster with increasing numbers year by year. Right now, at this point, no question that Yao is better, but I believe Shaq will have a better prime then Yao. Yao is only 26, and will be a real good player.
If I got the Heat-Rockets game I would definitely watch it. I've always liked watching Shaq vs. Yao games. (especially the last 2 years)
While he'll never be as good as Shaq was in his prime, he's the best there is in the league at center now (unless Timmy D is a center). He's got great post moves, he can hit the jumper, he's solid on defense, he does everything you need from your center. So, unless you consider Duncan a C, he's the best there is in the league.
your kidding right? Shaq has 4 titles. Multiple MVP's and he was the most dominant player in the league in his prime. He took Orlando to the finals. He helped carry the lakers to the finals 4 straight times. There is just so much Shaq has accomplished that it will be very difficult for Yao to surpass Shaq ever... Shaq Daddy is King.
<div class="quote_poster">Trench Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">your kidding right? Shaq has 4 titles. Multiple MVP's and he was the most dominant player in the league in his prime. He took Orlando to the finals. He helped carry the lakers to the finals 4 straight times. There is just so much Shaq has accomplished that it will be very difficult for Yao to surpass Shaq ever... Shaq Daddy is King.</div> You misunderstood the question.
<div class="quote_poster">Trench Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">your kidding right? Shaq has 4 titles. Multiple MVP's and he was the most dominant player in the league in his prime. He took Orlando to the finals. He helped carry the lakers to the finals 4 straight times. There is just so much Shaq has accomplished that it will be very difficult for Yao to surpass Shaq ever... Shaq Daddy is King.</div> Let me remind you Shaq has had a significant other every one of those times. Reallistically, Yao and Tmac been together for only 2 years. Yao is just entering his prime...you have no idea of what he is capable of right now.
Whoa. All you have to do it look in Orlando even before he played in LA. He was phenominal compared to Yao. He was the ROY averaging 23 points and 14 rebounds. THAT WAS his AVERAGE that season. Yao had a few games, but I dont know if he'll average what shaq did his rookie year ever.. Yao has never been close to that coming into this season. Oneal's 2nd year he averaged close to 30 points a game. I recall him having a 15 block, and 30 rebounds, with somewhere close to 20 points in a single game!! That to me is dominance. Yao's performance was impressive, but I dont think he'll ever win a scoring title, and have monsterous games like Shaq has had. In his third year Shaq won the scoring title and took Orlando to the NBA finals. He lost to the greatest center of all time, (HAKEEM), but it is CLEAR that SHAQ was the reason they made it that far. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Let me remind you Shaq has had a significant other every one of those times. Reallistically, Yao and Tmac been together for only 2 years. Yao is just entering his prime...you have no idea of what he is capable of right now.</div>This does not account for much. In Orlando Shaq had Penny, but SHAQ was still the MAIN MAN there. Yao has a solid core of players surrounding him as well, but he aint even nearly has dominant as the big fella was in Orlando. I dont think Yao will ever surpass Shaq. Shaq is one of a kind.
I think, the thread's talking about right now, Trench. But I see your angle. It'll be hard for Yao to ever have the career O'neal has right now, but damn there's not a big man in the league that I'd pick over Yao right now (Duncan/KG/Dwight). Yao is the best big man in the league right now, and hopefully he'll prove that tomorrow. He has passed Shaq, but I can only hope he'll achieve half of what Shaq has. That being said, I think he'll win MVP. . . soon. But my goodness, Dwight Howard is having a fantastic year this season. Maybe he's not getting the same attention as Yao's been getting (double team on every possession), but he's putting out some rebounding clinics.
Trench the thread is talking about right now, like Mag said. Meaning has Yao now surpassed Shaq for the best center in the league.
He won't be able to duplicate Shaq's career, but there's no question that Yao's better than Shaq right now.
Right now: Yao Their primes: No one knows, but I am predicting Shaq since he was so good in his prime. Yao will be awesome but I dont think he will be able to match Shaq's career, but no question, Yao is better now.
