First question: Is anyone else getting annoyed at Yi's reluctance to shoot now? In the past few games every time I've seen him catch the ball off a nice feed from Harris or Vince (usually Harris), he LOOKS like he's going to shoot, and he SHOULD be shooting it, but he always holds it for an extra second or two, looking to pass for some reason. By that time, the defender has closed in on him. I feel like Harris could be averaging at least 2 or 3 most assists a game if Yi actually shot the ball without a conscience like he used to. Now, I love Yi, and I'm not someone who thinks he has low confidence, but he's a guy the Nets need to have an itchy trigger finger. He's getting good passes from our guards, and wasting the opportunities. The Nets are so much more dangerous when he's shooting and making 3's. I will acknowledge that he's been becoming better and better on the boards though. Second question: Why does Sean, who is extremely athletic and strong, always get blocked underneath the basket? He seems to have great blocking and defensive timing, but is always caught under the basket and goes up at the wrong time. Conversely, I absolutely love Sean's energy on the bench. Unfortunately I also loved Hassan Adam's energy off the bench. I'm hoping that doesn't mean they're going end up with similar careers. Both are extremely athletic and undersized... uh oh.
Yi is not shooting as often because they are closing on him a lot faster, teams are catching up to him. Sean is just not getting the ball in good positions and when your shorter than your average PF and C having good position in the paint is everything.
What's happening to Yi now is an exact replica of what happened a year ago with the Bucks. At the beginning of the season, nobody remembers or knows Yi's game, which is, for now, long-range jumpshots. Last year, he had a good 10-15 games before teams realized and adapted to this type of approach and Yi was played heavily from that point onwards. The same is happening this season. When coaches look at the 5/6 from downtown, the natural adaption would be to play Yi tighter at the perimeter, giving Yi the option to drive, which is less dangerous than his shot uncontested. Having said that, it is imperative for Yi to develop a back-to-the-basket post game and improve his touch around the basket.
Has Yi caught a pass in the lane off a pick and roll and dunked the ball yet this season? I really want to see how Yi does catching the ball on the move and finishing in the lane. Brook attempted a monster slam off a pick and roll yesterday but couldn't convert, but it was nice to see it still.
He did once; it was a one-handed dunk, too. But, the time expired and the dunk didn't count. Still nice to see the dunk, though.
Perhaps the TV angle misconstrues things, but it seems like Yi has still been passed the ball with plenty of room, especially for his size, to get a good shot off. Instead he usually fake passes left and/or right, and then performs a dribble-handoff motion. I want to see him shoot it without hesitation more like he did early in the season. You're likely right though, in that teams are probably playing him closer. If that's the case, plays need to be run where he runs through a couple screens and curls for a midrange jumper. I also saw this more earlier in the season, so perhaps Frank has also adjusted the offense more for Yi to be around the perimeter.
Completely agree. He is hesitant. And let's remember, we are talking about two kids, ages 21 and 22. If teams want to go out and meet Yi beyond the arc--and he has twice as many three's already this year as he did all of last year--fine. He is a decent passer and has thrown a few good ones. It's all part of the period of adjustment as they learn to play together. If by year's end, he hasnt improved, bad news, but it's early. It was only last week that he had that game of 24 points, 5 three's, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and a block. Let's just relax before he contend his season is over because teams are "adjusting" to him.
You would be hesitant to do anything if you know your coach is goiing to bench you if you make a mistake.
I think two things are happening. 1) when Yi misses his first few shots he feels like he's having an off night and is hesitant to attempt anything slightly contested. 2) I think he's been told that when teams close out on him there is probably someone open, and if the stroke isn't happening, he tries to find the open man.
Bullshit. Not having an impact on the game is considered a mistake by the coach and yet he still playing Yi 20 mpg.
Just when I thought Yi was finally turning the corner, he disappears. I remember the first few games, he was decisive with the ball. whether to shoot it or take a couple dribble to dish off a bounce pass to vince for a dunk, or passing to a cutting hayes for a wide open shot, he does not hesitate to make his moves. Then he starts to rebound better, shooting the 3s and play more physical. I thought finally, Yi's getting it, he's gonna have a breakout year. Just when I thought he's putting everything together, he somehow regresses again. I hope he doesn't become too much of a tease.
Lets pretend we're retarded for a minute. Yi need to play selfish and shoot as much as possible and demand his teammates to screen out for him to grab easy rebounds. Also, he need all the offense to go through him and have all the plays ran for him. With the exception of those last minute half court shots, that'll ruin his shooting %. Oh, I forgot, that motion dribble drive offense that's tailor made for Harris and Carter has to go too. Yi demands a ball control pass first style point guard and a defensive specialist SG and SF that can shoot 3s to make space for Yi. Boone is fine as a center.
Bullshit!!!! The coach has to put the player in a position to make an impact in the game. Just having out there and saying score points is bullshit. Not running plays for him is also Bullshit. The dribble drive Bullshit doesnt work for all the players on this team. No Bullshit!!! Frank needs to post up Yi, have Yi slashing, Pick and pop/roll, and whatever other Bullshit plays that can maximize Yi's skills. The difference between Anderson and Yi is that Anderson knows his role and where he can help this team. 3pt shooting, hustle and energy off the bench. I dont think Yi knows his role on this team. To me Yi looks lost. He doesnt know where he has to be on Defense and Offense. That maybe his fault, but it is also a reflection of the coach not preparing the players.
when did Yi look lost on defense? He's rebounding and doing an decent job on man defense. There hasn't been a PF burning the nets so far this year. Yea, he's had some avoidable fouls, but lost on defense?
He'll never be an impact player until he gets more confidence. Will he? We'll find out. Just look at the difference at the way Anderson carries himself vs. Yi
