Its great that the Rockets fans are very optimistic about the huge changes made this season. But I'm just wondering... Based on how they've played in previous seasons, it seems like Yao and T-Mac wouldn't work well together. Obviously, T-Mac's a slasher, and with the defense based around Yao, T-mac won't get many chances to create. And many have mentioned before that although he's a good shooter, he creates his own shot rather than being a spot up shooter. Another thing, the problems that Kobe n Shaq had in the past could maybe arise in the rockets. Do you think thats possible? And also, do you think T-Mac could comfortably fit in to the rocket's current system? I guess this is the most enthusiastic he's ever been, so I'm sure he wants to fit in as much as he can. Wat do you guys think?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dakeem1:</div><div class="quote_post">Its great that the Rockets fans are very optimistic about the huge changes made this season. But I'm just wondering... Based on how they've played in previous seasons, it seems like Yao and T-Mac wouldn't work well together. Obviously, T-Mac's a slasher, and with the defense based around Yao, T-mac won't get many chances to create. And many have mentioned before that although he's a good shooter, he creates his own shot rather than being a spot up shooter. Another thing, the problems that Kobe n Shaq had in the past could maybe arise in the rockets. Do you think thats possible? And also, do you think T-Mac could comfortably fit in to the rocket's current system? I guess this is the most enthusiastic he's ever been, so I'm sure he wants to fit in as much as he can. Wat do you guys think?</div> I believe McGrady is willing to adjust his game to suit coach VanGundy and the way the team is oriented (Yao-centric, inside-out basketball). McGrady should study some old tapes of Drexler and Olajuwon in 1995 playoffs. THAT's how these two should play together.
I don't think we'll have the ego problems like the Kobe/Shaq duo did. Yao is not one to have an ego. He is a more quiet type of guy that IMO sticks to himself and keeps on the good side of everyone. McGrady is not one to quarrell with a teammate too, so both of them will probably keep a good relationship. Regarding our offensive style with T-Mac around, I don't think it will be a problem either. McGrady can always drive in and create for himself, but expect him to do it a lot less with Yao in there. T-Mac can become a cutter and a guy to run the pick and roll with Yao, so he will still get a bunch of shots and points.
It really depends on how Yao plays this season, he can make or break this team. If Yao isn't going to be scoring 20+ this season...we won't have many points. Which means T-Mac will start to hog the ball a bit mroe because he won't trust Yao with it. If Yao has a breakout season then the chemistry will be perfect...if not then look for Tracy not to have as much hope as he did when he first walked into the arena with 2,500 fans screaming his name.
I'm sure they'll figure something out...they may not have problems. However, you guys can't really say that Yao is quiet...remember how he acted towards his team in the Olympics???
How can we tell how a team is gonna do when it's a brand new team..we have to watch their games first. But we're definitely better than the lakers because no team with a great big man will last long. The only guy who could do that was MJ..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm sure they'll figure something out...they may not have problems. However, you guys can't really say that Yao is quiet...remember how he acted towards his team in the Olympics???</div> So far, Yao has had a very different personality in the NBA than on his Olympic teams, which is understandable. He's not completely acclimated to the NBA and the US yet. He wouldn't have the nerve to get into a heated argument with an NBA teammate (or even opponent). Maybe in a few years this will change. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting drm2dnk:</div><div class="quote_post">How can we tell how a team is gonna do when it's a brand new team..we have to watch their games first. But we're definitely better than the lakers because no team with a great big man will last long. The only guy who could do that was MJ..</div> Bill Russell had a pretty good run with the Celtics. I think he'd disagree with you. <font color="red">Nevermind the Bill Russell comment. I just realized you meant "no team without a great big man." </font>
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting drm2dnk:</div><div class="quote_post">How can we tell how a team is gonna do when it's a brand new team..we have to watch their games first. But we're definitely better than the lakers because no team with a great big man will last long. The only guy who could do that was MJ..</div> Bill Russell had a pretty good run with the Celtics. I think he'd disagree with you. <font color="red">Nevermind the Bill Russell comment. I just realized you meant "no team without a great big man." </font>
I totally agree with what dyrvasa said at the top of the forum T-Mac needs to study old Drexler/Olajuwon tapes their inside out game was devistating!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting drm2dnk:</div><div class="quote_post">How can we tell how a team is gonna do when it's a brand new team..we have to watch their games first. But we're definitely better than the lakers because no team with a great big man will last long. The only guy who could do that was MJ..</div> I'm starting to wonder if you like our team. Every post you make, they are involved. Let's try not to kill the thread by making it into another Kobe vs. McGrady thread, or Lakers vs. Rockets.
I think it is a good match. TMac will love Van Gundy's defensive emphasis, and he'll show that he can really D it up. I think his well earned reputation of a slacker on D is something that he'd love to shed, and has the physical skills to do it. More importantly, don't think TMac will have completely defer to Yao on the offensive end. Realize, as one poster mention, that Yao hasn't averaged 20PPG yet, and he disappears for large stretches on games. TMacs can take up the slack during those slow moments. The real questions are: 1) Will Van Gundy open up a little offensively to take advantage of TMacs skills? I predict the answer to this will be yes, he's a smart coach. 2) Do TMac and Yao have enough around them to really do damage in the playoffs? I think the answer to this is no, very little depth and a horrible point guard situation will be their downfall, especially when many of the role players are very old.
I don't think they are going to mesh well. I think Yao will have to go get the ball on his own. IMO, T-mac shoots alot and doesn't share to often.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Need4Sheed:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think they are going to mesh well. I think Yao will have to go get the ball on his own. IMO, T-mac shoots alot and doesn't share to often.</div> <strike>need4weed</strike>, nobody cares what you think..you're not even backing your comments with anything..the only thing that can be confirmed that doesn't mesh well are <strike>your unintelligent assumptions and this forum.</strike> <font color="red"><font size="-2">Attacks like that will not be tolerated again. Consider yourself warned.-Trip</font></font>
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting drm2dnk:</div><div class="quote_post">need4weed, nobody cares what you think..you're not even backing your comments with anything..the only thing that can be confirmed that doesn't mesh well are your unintelligent assumptions and this forum.</div> I have a feeling that with comments like that, you probably won't be on this site for very long. There's no problem to question his comment, or debate what he posted...but to say ridiculous comments directed personally to him, it's not only childish, but also uncalled for. Speaking of "backing your comments"... <div class="quote_poster">Quoting drm2dnk:</div><div class="quote_post">How can we tell how a team is gonna do when it's a brand new team..we have to watch their games first. But we're definitely better than the lakers because no team with a great big man will last long. The only guy who could do that was MJ..</div> You didn't back those last two sentences up.
It really all depends on how T-Mac reacts to having Yao on his team.Yao has already proved he can play with another super star guard(S.Francis).While Mcgrady has never played along side a big star. In the end I think their chemistry together will work fine,it worked with Kobe and Shaq and they have huge egos,Yao doesnt have an ego at all really.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post"> You didn't back those last two sentences up.</div> I think he's about right about the big man comment. Other than Jordan's Bulls, the only great team I can think of which won multiple championships and didn't have a star big man are the Bad Boys Pistons. But they were still very physical under the basket.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Need4Sheed:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think they are going to mesh well. I think Yao will have to go get the ball on his own. IMO, T-mac shoots alot and doesn't share to often.</div> I actually did backup my comment with In My Opinion I think TMac shoots alot and doesn't share the ball often. Someone needs to think before they type.
Why should I back up a factual comment where all true nba fans know it's true. Anyways my personal opinion is that any team playing the rockets this season should be scared.. cheap tactics just won't work anymore. Last season, all they did was bash on yao and double team him. This year..both tmac and yao will be doubled or triple teamed..which leaves 2-3 open players dropping easy shots. Do I have to back this up?? Unless you're a noob, we all know that tmac and yao get doubled each game..this time they're gonna be unstoppable!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting drm2dnk:</div><div class="quote_post">Why should I back up a factual comment where all true nba fans know it's true. Anyways my personal opinion is that any team playing the rockets this season should be scared.. cheap tactics just won't work anymore. Last season, all they did was bash on yao and double team him. This year..both tmac and yao will be doubled or triple teamed..which leaves 2-3 open players dropping easy shots. Do I have to back this up?? Unless you're a noob, we all know that tmac and yao get doubled each game..this time they're gonna be unstoppable!</div> It all depends on the type of offense Van Gundy runs. Many people predicted similar things with Yao and Francis, but look how Francis struggled last year under the coach's system. Is McGrady talented enough to overcome that? I hope so, but we'll just have to wait and see.
