Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BluffCityBlue @ Jun 21 2007, 08:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Thats why some call him the chinese version of Amare...of course hes not as athletic...In the first article, it basicly said the same thing scouts say about any other skinny big man...in the first article it said he isnt afraid of contact, but can be disrupted....thats not being soft..thats not being strong enough, which he will become. The 2nd article is basicly saying that he has the soft stereotype...which is labeled on all international players(short of South Americans), it just said he hasnt proven hes not soft. IMO, being soft is not being aggresive and shying away fron contact. YOUR article said "he doesn't shy away from physical contact"....hes not soft...atleast form what ive seen and read.</div>In all of the articles it basically says that he can't bang inside with the NBA big men...I think you're forgetting that he's 7"0...He definitely isn't strong enough to post up and score inside yet..It's not about being aggressive..He's a big man that's not going to be capable of banging inside.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RaptorFan#1 @ Jun 21 2007, 08:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>To add, why do you call my posts dumb? In the offseason I said the Raptors would get at least a 5th seed, and you replied, "I think you should be banned for that comment IMO" They then ended up winning the 3rd seed, so clearly I had some basis to my opinion, though you still call me a dumbass. You also leave out calling Combs a dumbass but not me, once again, based on nothing.</div>hmmm.....because you say some dumb and outlandish things...That's why I call you a dumbass. You just got lucky on that, you've said a lot of other dumb things too. You're a decent poster, you've just gotta hold your tongue on some of your posts... <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>This is why I know your opinion is based on nearly nothing. You call Yi Jianlian soft, but Kevin Durant cant bench 180 once, you call him atheltic, yet he had the third worst vertical in the combine, fourth worst sprint time, and the last in drill time. Now your going to tell me that 'Oh stats mean nothing' if so, you calling me a dumbass was based on nothing. You also now nothing about basketball in China to make a comment about Yi, and neithier do I, yet you still talk about him like you know his game. You just call everyone coming out of Europe a softy.</div>It's obvious that Kevin Durant just wasn't prepared for the combine...People have said it in articles all the time...it doesn't mean that he isn't athletic. KD scored 29 freaking ppg as a freshman, of course he is going to kick ass in the NBA from the start as well. The guy's got an amazing shot, and I don't care what the combine says; he is quick also....When he is ready to play, the combine results won't pull him down. He's a quick dude...it's well documented.And like I said, Yi is a 7 footer who is a softie, and he isnt adjusted to the American style of basketball either. If you think he's going to have a better year than an offensive stud like Durant, you do deserve to be called a dumbass.And no man, Pau Gasol wasn't a softie...It's just a stereotype that is actually true most of the time. European big men are usually soft compared to North American bigs...
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ Jun 22 2007, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>In all of the articles it basically says that he can't bang inside with the NBA big men...I think you're forgetting that he's 7"0...He definitely isn't strong enough to post up and score inside yet.. It's not about being aggressive..He's a big man that's not going to be capable of banging inside.</div> No, that's really not true. It is about being aggressive and working hard when you're on the floor. Chris Bosh and Kevin Garnett are absolutely paper thin, yet they still manage to grab over 10 boards a night, block shots, and hold their own in the paint. They don't have great upper body strength, yet they hold their own because their intensity level is high. Same with Joakim Noah, he's pretty thin as well. I think Noah is stronger than most people may initially think, but the reason he does so well defensively and on the glass is because he leaves his heart out on the floor every night. He's not that strong, he's not that muscular. So, I think it is about intensity.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ Jun 22 2007, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>hmmm.....because you say some dumb and outlandish things...That's why I call you a dumbass. You just got lucky on that, you've said a lot of other dumb things too. You're a decent poster, you've just gotta hold your tongue on some of your posts... This is why I know your opinion is based on nearly nothing. You call Yi Jianlian soft, but Kevin Durant cant bench 180 once, you call him atheltic, yet he had the third worst vertical in the combine, fourth worst sprint time, and the last in drill time. Now your going to tell me that 'Oh stats mean nothing' if so, you calling me a dumbass was based on nothing. You also now nothing about basketball in China to make a comment about Yi, and neithier do I, yet you still talk about him like you know his game. You just call everyone coming out of Europe a softy.It's obvious that Kevin Durant just wasn't prepared for the combine...People have said it in articles all the time...it doesn't mean that he isn't athletic. KD scored 29 freaking ppg as a freshman, of course he is going to kick ass in the NBA from the start as well. The guy's got an amazing shot, and I don't care what the combine says; he is quick also....When he is ready to play, the combine results won't pull him down. He's a quick dude...it's well documented.And like I said, Yi is a 7 footer who is a softie, and he isnt adjusted to the American style of basketball either. If you think he's going to have a better year than an offensive stud like Durant, you do deserve to be called a dumbass.</div>Name some. The only thing that I thought that can even be remotely stupid was when I said the Cavs were going to win the playoffs. I was thinking Lebron was going to be like he was in the Pistons series and I thought he would make it interesting (mind you valo said cleveland was going to win early on in the playoffs as well). But other than that, I cant think of anything else I predicted you can call me dumb on.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32 @ Jun 22 2007, 01:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>So, I think it is about intensity.</div>Agree. And from everything I've seen from Yi, he does display that kind of intensity.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>When you say "better player," what do you mean by that? Will Durant put up some bigger numbers, get more national attention/endorsements, etc? Yes, but that doesn't mean he's a better player... for the same reason Tracy McGrady is no Tim Duncan. You don't pass on legitimate franchise centers for a wing... just because you have a guy like Zach Randolph who fucks strippers, smokes weed, totes guns, and shows up late for practice. He's not in Portland's long-term plans, their future frontcourt duo is Oden/Aldridge. Aldridge is much better suited for the 4 anyway, and he has even said he'd rather play the 4.I don't understand why you'd take a franchise SF over a franchise center that dominates on the defensive end.</div>Because, the Blazers NEED a SF. The Blazers have 2 starting bigmen...and 2 VERY capable backups already. As I said, Randolph already proved what he could do.If Oden was Tim Duncan...then sure I take him, regardless. But there is onl a chance the guy is 75% of what Duncan is. I see his carear being about as successful as Carlos Boozer...much moreso then a Tim Duncan who has dominated the league for going on a decade. I am not trying to compare anybodies game though..and size obviousl changes things as well..I'm just talking in terms stats and winning.I worry about the team I have..and it's need. It's need is a SF. The top 2 picks are interchangable IMO. So pick the position you need. Durant is a stepforward. I dunno what picking Oden is. It's simple.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RaptorFan#1 @ Jun 22 2007, 02:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Name some. The only thing that I thought that can even be remotely stupid was when I said the Cavs were going to win the playoffs. I was thinking Lebron was going to be like he was in the Pistons series and I thought he would make it interesting (mind you valo said cleveland was going to win early on in the playoffs as well). But other than that, I cant think of anything else I predicted you can call me dumb on.</div>I don't know off the top of my head, and I'm not about to go back and look, but I know you've said some dumb things before, man....
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! I don't usually follow the NBA draft (although I am attached to the TV when it's on), but this Yi dude looks so soft. He's got the ball handling of a point guard, the shot of a shooting guard, but he's as soft as one of those pillows that has that memory alloy where if you touch it, your hand's imprint stays on it.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! International players are always said to be soft. People still call Dirk soft..and I don't think that has any argument whatsoever. People call Gasol soft when he is anything but.Yi is hard yo.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Combs @ Jun 22 2007, 01:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Agree. And from everything I've seen from Yi, he does display that kind of intensity. Because, the Blazers NEED a SF. The Blazers have 2 starting bigmen...and 2 VERY capable backups already. As I said, Randolph already proved what he could do. If Oden was Tim Duncan...then sure I take him, regardless. But there is onl a chance the guy is 75% of what Duncan is. I see his carear being about as successful as Carlos Boozer...much moreso then a Tim Duncan who has dominated the league for going on a decade. I am not trying to compare anybodies game though..and size obviousl changes things as well..I'm just talking in terms stats and winning.</div> It doesn't matter that they need a 3. You never ever pass up on the opportunity to get yourself a franchise center. There is really nothing else I can say. Also, you think he'll have a Boozer-like career? That's ridiculous. I know you weren't necessarily comparing Oden to Boozer on the court, but that's still ridiculous. Greg Oden is the best prospect since Shaquille O'Neal. I don't think you understand the value of having a legitimate franchise 7 footer who is a dominant defensive talent, an absolute jaw-dropping athlete, and is a guy that will anchor a defense single-handedly. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I worry about the team I have..and it's need. It's need is a SF. The top 2 picks are interchangable IMO. So pick the position you need. Durant is a stepforward. I dunno what picking Oden is. It's simple.</div> Well, the fact that you're a member of the 1% of the world that thinks this way, that should tell you something. Did you honestly just say that picking Oden may not be a step forward?
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RaptorFan#1 @ Jun 21 2007, 06:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>This is why I know your opinion is based on nearly nothing. You call Yi Jianlian soft, but Kevin Durant cant bench 180 once, you call him atheltic, yet he had the third worst vertical in the combine, fourth worst sprint time, and the last in drill time.</div> Bench press has nothing to do with being soft or not. Actually weight doesn't have much to do with it either, it's about being physical/tough. Throw Kevin Durant's numbers out the window, anyone that watched him play knows he's an amazing athlete. Those combine numbers are a complete waste of time.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! Combs, while I agree Portland needs a SF more than anything, but Greg Oden is the type to completely change the decoration of your stadium(speaking about banners), and if Portland didnt have such as bad influence in Zach Randolph at the 4, I could see why Portland would consider it...but point it, Zach Randolph is probably being shopped right now cause Portland doesn't want him in their lockerroom...so why not take the next great thing to come outve the draft since Bron, trade Randolph and hope you can get something good to slide into the 3.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! As a team it's not a step forward. If you got Tony Parker, why do you draft Chris Paul? If you got 2 great YOUNG bigmen already why draft a third? if Kevin Durant was not in this draft then I agree with you 100% that you take the dominant Oden to anchor your defense for the next 15 years. However, Durant IS in this draft. And he is just as good of a prospect as Oden. And he plays a position you need...Pick Durant...
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BrewCityBuck @ Jun 22 2007, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Bench press has nothing to do with being soft or not. Actually weight doesn't have much to do with it either, it's about being physical/tough. Throw Kevin Durant's numbers out the window, anyone that watched him play knows he's an amazing athlete. Those combine numbers are a complete waste of time.</div>I never thought about this too, but on Mike and Mike this moring Golic and the guest host was talking about how if you have long arms, its much more difficult...and Golic added in alotve it has to to with technique(which is obvious).
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Combs @ Jun 22 2007, 12:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Agree. And from everything I've seen from Yi, he does display that kind of intensity.Because, the Blazers NEED a SF. The Blazers have 2 starting bigmen...and 2 VERY capable backups already. As I said, Randolph already proved what he could do.If Oden was Tim Duncan...then sure I take him, regardless. But there is onl a chance the guy is 75% of what Duncan is. I see his carear being about as successful as Carlos Boozer...much moreso then a Tim Duncan who has dominated the league for going on a decade. I am not trying to compare anybodies game though..and size obviousl changes things as well..I'm just talking in terms stats and winning.I worry about the team I have..and it's need. It's need is a SF. The top 2 picks are interchangable IMO. So pick the position you need. Durant is a stepforward. I dunno what picking Oden is. It's simple.</div> Combs, your completely wrong. The Blazers have Darius Miles, Martell Webster and Travis Outlaw at SF, sure they are not great SF's but all three are servicable. Like CB32 has said, completely dead on, you don't draft a SF when you have a dominating center available. Small Forward is one of the easiest positions to fill, the Blazers don't need a star SF bad enough to pass on Greg Oden. Greg Oden has such special ability, you don't pass on it, hell, the Blazers have Randolph, Pryzbilla and Aldridge, adding Oden gives them nice depth, and if one of them gets hurt, they don't miss a step, the Blazers have a lot of depth at SF....
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Combs @ Jun 22 2007, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>As a team it's not a step forward. If you got Tony Parker, why do you draft Chris Paul? If you got 2 great YOUNG bigmen already why draft a third? if Kevin Durant was not in this draft then I agree with you 100% that you take the dominant Oden to anchor your defense for the next 15 years. However, Durant IS in this draft. And he is just as good of a prospect as Oden. And he plays a position you need...Pick Durant...</div>Aldridge and Randolph are both very good bigs, but they have nowhere near the potential of Greg Oden. Randolph is somebody nobody wants on their team....so why not trade him and his attitude and take who might be the next great center(which btw, most great Cs get to the Finals atleast once). Durant is going to be extremely talented etc. but what Oden will do in his career will have such a greater magnitude than what Durant will do...Thats unless he become Michael Jordan..and if that happens Portland will feel likes asses all over again....lol.EDIT: BCB, I disagree with you on keeping Randolph, I think Portland should trade him and try to get a better SF than they have now.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BluffCityBlue @ Jun 22 2007, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>EDIT: BCB, I disagree with you on keeping Randolph, I think Portland should trade him and try to get a better SF than they have now.</div> I'm just saying for next season they would have depth with that lineup. I just don't think Zach Randolph will be moved this offseason. Trading him will be pretty difficult because Zach is a turd.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BluffCityBlue @ Jun 22 2007, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I never thought about this too, but on Mike and Mike this moring Golic and the guest host was talking about how if you have long arms, its much more difficult...and Golic added in alotve it has to to with technique(which is obvious).</div>Yeah the longer your arms, the more distance you have to carry. That's why some of the strongest people are shorter than usual. They don't have to carry it as far as longer armed people do. Earl Boykins benches around 300 lbs, but he's not better than KD. Bench pressing does not equal softness, it's really heart, and will moreover.But, I gotta agree with choosing Oden. The last time they drafted what they needed for the 1st pick they missed MJ, only on the fact that they had that positioned pretty much filled, and needed a big man. Sam Bowie showed alot of promise 2 them, but he got injured. Which is why I hate all the hype of becoming the next Jordan or Bill Russel, so now we have to bring him in. Who knows how good he wil become, he may be injured like Grant Hill, Penny, CWebb, even Bowie. But, I have gotta go with Oden. I think that Durant will be the better player overall stats wise, it will help the Trailblazers to get a better center. Zach is great, but so was Ron Artest for the Pacers and they shipped him out. I don't see Portland getting that much better next year tho with getting one more player...
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Combs @ Jun 22 2007, 03:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Man..Yi's stock just keeps on dropping. Drop all the way to 15 baby!</div> Man Combs, you sure love Yi Jianlian.
Re: Yi Jianlian #1 baby! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BrewCityBuck @ Jun 22 2007, 02:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Bench press has nothing to do with being soft or not. Actually weight doesn't have much to do with it either, it's about being physical/tough. Throw Kevin Durant's numbers out the window, anyone that watched him play knows he's an amazing athlete. Those combine numbers are a complete waste of time.</div> It doesn't change the fact what he scored on those tests. Im not saying otherwise, but its not like they make up these numbers.
