Most people will say that, after Shaq, Yao is the next best center in the game. Many experts project that after Shaq's retirement Yao will be the number 1 big man in the game. Here are Yao's numbers for last year and the current year: 03/04: 17.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.9 bpg, .522 fg%, 3.3 fpg, 32.8 mpg 04/05: 17.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.3 bpg, .485 fg%, 3.8 fpg, 31.0 mpg Yao's numbers are clearly worse this year, but we also know that Yao has been in a slump and his numbers *should* improve over the course of the season. I'm starting to doubt that his points will get much over 19 ppg, and think his rebounding and blocks may be less than last year given his effort so far this year (including preseason). His fg% should be up over 50%. I'm thinking Ilgauskus, a player who is often overlooked, might actually be better than Yao at this stage. Here are his numbers: 03/04: 15.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.5 bpg, .483 fg%, 3.4 fpg, 31.3 mpg 04/05: 20.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.9 bpg, .527 fg%, 3.9 fpg, 36.1 mpg He is probably the most comparable player to Yao. Like Yao, he's foul prone and typically won't get play too many minutes. Neither of them are dominant rebounders. They both have a height advantage virtually every night. I'd say that Yao is a better offensive player when he gets the ball close to the basket (8 feet in). Yao just has better post moves. Ilgauskus, however, is much more comfortable taking the 15-18 foot jump shot. Offensively, I'd say they are overall equal, but they have different strengths. Yao's inside game can be shut down with quick smaller players swarming around him, and because he'll rarely take outside shots and can't create shots for others, that can nullify his impressive offensive abilities. Ilgauskus has more flexibility in his offensive repertoire, but if his outside shot isn't falling he can struggle. On the boards, Yao is slightly better. Ilgauskus is a better shot-blocker, but neither player are particularly good team defensive players. Right now, it's difficult to choose which player is better. Yao's rebounding and shot blocking has been steadily dropping ever since his rookie season. With T-Mac onboard, his offensiving numbers may not go up as high as some people projected. And Ilgauskus looks to be having a career-best season so far. What do you think?
Well, Ilgauskas has been mildly forgotten because of the injuries he suffered from a few years ago which limited his capability. However, he was very much a franchise player before the injuries, and is slowly returning to All-Star form. Yao, however, is still a better player IMO mainly because he gets the ball considerably more than Ilgauskas. Also, while Yao is inconsistent, he also has a tendency to go for big games when it counts. While I have a lot of confidence in Yao, it should be noted that Ilgauskas is averaging those numbers mainly because he is in the East. Put him in the West and he'll be statistically worse than Yao.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yao is much better</div> reasons? But Yao is the better player. He goes up against the strong players in the west, but Zydrunas still has some competition in the east with the likes of Ben Wallace and Shaq (Definitely). Still, Yao has shown some glimpses of true stardom with his 30+ games while Zydrunas is not at that level yet. The season is still young and Yao's stats will definitely go up later in the season when he's well adjusted to working with his new teamates, aka Tmac.
I don't think we can really compare them right now. Remember Yao is still injured and has that heavy brace on his arm. We should start the comparisons around mid-season IMO.
Z has had big scoring games this year just like Yao. Also, Yao's worst games this year - Detroit, Toronto, New Jersey -- were all against the East. He's also struggled mightily against Memphis, but they don't have a strong inside presence. I expect Yao's stats to pick up over the course of the season, but I after watching a few Cavs games this year, I don't believe that Ilgauskus can be easily dismissed as an inferior center.
One thing that Yao needs to work on is controlling the ball in the low post. When he makes a catch or gets an offensive rebound, he tends to bring it down to his waist, which leaves the ball open for opposing guards to slap away from him. He needs to catch it firmly and hold it high so that smaller players cannot reach it.
True, but the question at hand is whether Yao is better than Ilgauskas at this stage in his career. Presently, I believe these two are equal in talent and skill level.
