Yi's defense is GREAT only when he is defending dirk-like players. He is not afraid of quick bigman, but he cannot stop strong bigman like carlos boozer. So whether his defense is good or bad depends on how the coach use him.
And Carlos Boozer can't stop him either because he himself is not a great defender. There are rarely any great PF's that can play both defense and offense. KG being the most obvious one.
The funny thing about comparing Dirk with Yi is who was on Dirk's team that first year. Who was the main option then? Yi had Redd and that shoot first PG Mo williams. That said. I really doubt Yi becomes first option as long as VC is still here. If VC gets traded, that role is up in the air for whoever wants it. If Yi wants it he has to prove he can handle it. Yi has a lot to prove like the rookies have to prove themselves. Damn, everyone on this team has something to prove.
Dirk had Finley and Nash on that team. Keep in mind that his rookie season was the lock-out shortened season.
but we have to remember who helped dirk... KIKI and who do we have to help yi? KIKI!!!! kiki is the man!!! and all Yi has to do his be able to hit a consistent OPEN jumper... given to him by our dribble drive motion offense... and we have our ball handlers