Yi's offensive game got worse with the Bucks

[YiOF]

Here is 2 game highlights of 2007 summer league, this was before he played for the Bucks. Now, I know the competition wasn't quite NBA level, but it shows you some flashes of what he can do in the post.

[video=youtube;OxqBRDDrk7Q]

[video=youtube;dPtZov2bcXc]

Now, fast forward to Yi's best game with the bucks. He scored 29 points against the bobcats. You'd probably notice that not once did Yi get the ball in the post. I know it's just one game, but it's a good example of how the Bucks was using Yi, defend, rebound, and shoot jumpers.

[video=youtube;owYGm9OQIVs]

I think people quickly forget about Yi's potential after just one bad season with a bad franchise. He may or may not develop into the player people think he could become. I just think that Bucks misused Yi making him a simple jump shooter. I think a guy like Yi's biggest advantage is to create mismatches in the post. He can shoot over shorter and quicker guys, and he can drive past big slow guys. Bucks' coaching staff basically made no attempt to farther develop Yi's post game. It is true that Yi needs some more muscle to cruise in the post with the big boys. But you ain't getting better if you don't get the chance to play there.

People in Milwaukee would probably tell you how Yi had hands that were made of stone, or he was too weak to finish around the basketball. Which was true, especially towards the end of the season when he lost his confidence. I think it was as much mentally as it was physically, Yi lost a lot of passion and motivation once he got deeper into the season. I think it is pretty fair to say for a young player, playing for a bad organization and a bad bucks locker room will do that to you. That's basically my take on what happened to Yi.

Oh, here is something to fresh Nets fan's memory:

[video=youtube;eOzjo27nFMc]

 

[Claud]

Yi has the ability to become a very good player. This year he has a chance to prove all those people using the B word wrong.
Let's see what he does.

 

[DynastYWarrioR6]

Welcome to the site YiOF! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me or any other mod here. Have fun posting around here!

By the way, I'm the Rockets mod and a Laker fan
And I'm Shanghainese too, you chinese?

 

[YiOF]

haha, I love the word "Shanghainese". Yes I am Chinese, not quite from Shanghai though. I did however went to middle school in Shanghai for 2 years. I am happy to actually find a forum that has people replying to my posts =P

 

[Malorkayel]

Unfortunately, while playing for the Bucks, Yi's game might have regressed. Last year, The Buck's rookie coach never got their team under control and the entire management staff was fired as a result.

I always thought rapid firing employee say a lot about the ownership. They can't judge personnel and they quickly shifted blame.

The Bucks gave away Dirk, now they're praying Yi will bust so history will not repeat itself.

 

[DynastYWarrioR6]

haha, I love the word "Shanghainese". Yes I am Chinese, not quite from Shanghai though. I did however went to middle school in Shanghai for 2 years. I am happy to actually find a forum that has people replying to my posts =P

Well I speak Shanghainese, Mandarin, and Cantonese, but I was born and raised here in Southern California for all my life except for my two years in Vegas...but yeah, people here will always respond as long as you visit the Rockets and Lakers forum

 

[soul driver]

great first post, it's definitly getting me more excited about Yi, and welcome to the boards!

 

[SportsTicker]

Yi didnt have a bad rookie season. Yi had a bad second half.

People seem to forget that by the end of December, a LOT of people had him ranked above Kevin Durant. David Thorpe of ESPN raved about his potential...and he was Rookie of the Month for December.

I think a lot of the disappointment in Milwaukee had to do with him hitting the rookie wall and getting hurt. I don't know what people should have expected. The kid comes over from China, with an ENORMOUS amount of pressure in a difficult situation, had done practiced hard all summer with the Chinese national team, then played with a couple of selfish guards on a team that was overloaded at his positions. As Krystowiak said recently, he was surprised Yi had as good a season as he did. A lot of the pressure is now off: his rookie season is over, he is in the capital of Chinese-American culture in the US, the Olympics are done. I expect a lot.

Nets were not going to win with RJ. The Nets got what they wanted: a good young big man. Go back to Kiki's comments on ESPN on Draft Night and on YES the day after. In both cases, he talked about the thread that ran through the trade for Yi and the picks of Lopez and Anderson: that statistically, good shooting big men are an increasingly big factor in the NBA game today. (Of course, Kiki has a mixed record on same: helped develop Dirk at Dallas, picked Nikoloz Tskitishvili in Denver.)

 

[YehYeh]

After hearing how Yi was ignored in the Buck system with dominating guards who never gave up the ball, I become concerned. With the change to the dribble-drive-motion, the Nets are planning the same kind of two-guard offense the Bucks had. The guards will drive and dish mainly to each other or whoever is at high post. Frank just announced he wants Lopez there.

Which leaves Yi far out in the corner, away from the action, waiting for an occasional chance to hoist a 3. All of Yi's speed, athleticism around the rim, offensive rebounding, mid-range accuracy, and transition defense will be wasted. Is Yi's career with the Nets over even before he starts his first game? Why not just trade him to the Celts or Lakers and make them happy?

 

[chingd15]

Great post! I think he should be in the post and if we're really going to the Dribble Drive Motion offense, contrary to my buddy Rory's opinion, he's gonna fit in well. I really hope they know what they're doing with that though. Ryan Anderson, CDR, Brook Lopez, and Devin Harris I think will excel HOWEVA (Stephen A. Smith reference) this gives Vince Carter to jack up some more of possibly the worst shots ever... on earth... Bright Side, this also reduces the offensive moves Sean has to learn because if he's playing on the weakside block, he better learn to put shots back and just dunk off of alley-oops. Boone might be solid on the block, too, because this DDM offense seems real guard-driven.

 

[Netted]

After hearing how Yi was ignored in the Buck system with dominating guards who never gave up the ball, I become concerned. With the change to the dribble-drive-motion, the Nets are planning the same kind of two-guard offense the Bucks had. The guards will drive and dish mainly to each other or whoever is at high post. Frank just announced he wants Lopez there.

Which leaves Yi far out in the corner, away from the action, waiting for an occasional chance to hoist a 3. All of Yi's speed, athleticism around the rim, offensive rebounding, mid-range accuracy, and transition defense will be wasted. Is Yi's career with the Nets over even before he starts his first game? Why not just trade him to the Celts or Lakers and make them happy?

Why not see him in the system at least once before we declare it a failed experiment and trade him?

 

[Petey]

Well I speak Shanghainese, Mandarin, and Cantonese, but I was born and raised here in Southern California for all my life except for my two years in Vegas...but yeah, people here will always respond as long as you visit the Rockets and Lakers forum

My father is from Shanghai too.

I can speak bits of Shanghainese only.

-Petey

 

[ghoti]

After hearing how Yi was ignored in the Buck system with dominating guards who never gave up the ball, I become concerned. With the change to the dribble-drive-motion, the Nets are planning the same kind of two-guard offense the Bucks had. The guards will drive and dish mainly to each other or whoever is at high post. Frank just announced he wants Lopez there.

Which leaves Yi far out in the corner, away from the action, waiting for an occasional chance to hoist a 3. All of Yi's speed, athleticism around the rim, offensive rebounding, mid-range accuracy, and transition defense will be wasted. Is Yi's career with the Nets over even before he starts his first game? Why not just trade him to the Celts or Lakers and make them happy?

This is how off-seasons spiral out of control.

First of all, the Nets are not switching to the "Dribble Drive" offense. They may incorporate a few elements of this with various lineups, but I suspect that will be minimal. You'll have to pay close attention to notice it.

Don't expect anything radical in the Nets' offense. They are going to run mostly what the vets know and do well and simple stuff that the youngsters can pick up quickly. I expect lots of posts like "This is the same offense as last year!"

The main difference is that they can get rid of the Jason Kidd playbook, which only fit him and didn't work at all with Carter and the rest of the roster.

 

[YehYeh]

This is how off-seasons spiral out of control.

First of all, the Nets are not switching to the "Dribble Drive" offense. They may incorporate a few elements of this with various lineups, but I suspect that will be minimal. You'll have to pay close attention to notice it.

Don't expect anything radical in the Nets' offense. They are going to run mostly what the vets know and do well and simple stuff that the youngsters can pick up quickly. I expect lots of posts like "This is the same offense as last year!"

The main difference is that they can get rid of the Jason Kidd playbook, which only fit him and didn't work at all with Carter and the rest of the roster.

The Nets will switch to the offense that first, suits their star that being Vince, and second that suits most of their vets, and third, and only third, that helps them develop for 2010.

The team was built around Vince. The offense will be centered around Vince. Period. That means dribble-and-drive as the first option already. The rest falls into place if you take a closer look at what Devin, Simmons, and Hayes do. Lopez has game, he is a threat, so his man will have to follow and guard him. That leaves Yi, as the odd man out of the offensive set.

The problem is that Yi has enormous potential. He is not only talented but is highly skilled. As talented and skilled as anyone we've had in the past, and that's saying a lot. We've had some all-time greats here. Just look at those clips in the OP. Those moves can't be faked.

 

[cpawfan]

The team was built around Vince.

No, the team is not built around Vince. The team is built around what Frank wants with gritty vets that will give effort on defense (Najera and Dooling), players that don't want to control everything (Vince and Harris) and what Kiki wants with players that are tall for their position and appear to be able to score (Yi, Brook, Ryan and CDR (tall for SG))

 

[ghoti]

I guarantee you that the Nets will run a very similar half court offense as they have in the past. Lots of pick and roll/pop, drive and kick, exploiting mismatches in the post and a bit of isolation thrown in during crunch time.

 

[SportsTicker]

I guarantee you that the Nets will run a very similar half court offense as they have in the past. Lots of pick and roll/pop, drive and kick, exploiting mismatches in the post and a bit of isolation thrown in during crunch time.

Also, beyond what Cpawfan noted, take a look at the deep shooting percentages of the players who were added. Anderson and CDR hit better than 40% from the college 3-point line. Dooling, Najera, Hayes, and Simmons all hit better than 33% from the NBA 3-point line. Yi hit 29%. That's a lot better outside shooting than the Nets had last year.

 

[ghoti]

Yep. The players actually fit the style of play. There may be some motion offense or Memphis offense incorporated in over time, but the team is built to play the same basic half court ball but likely with better results.

 

[Dumpy]

Also, beyond what Cpawfan noted, take a look at the deep shooting percentages of the players who were added. Anderson and CDR hit better than 40% from the college 3-point line. Dooling, Najera, Hayes, and Simmons all hit better than 33% from the NBA 3-point line. Yi hit 29%. That's a lot better outside shooting than the Nets had last year.

their presence on the court should allow vince to drive to the hoop more. the opposition will no longer simply be able to double carter and pack the paint with everyone else.

 

[ghoti]

It will allow Carter to drive to the hoop more without taking major contact. It's an important distinction. Carter can drive any time he wants, but he won't last long if he gets hammered every time.

 

[yinets1860]

i think YI's first season in Bucks is not successful，he always shots removed from basketry，but he is a PF，he should points in paint。

 

[Dumpy]

I understand that threads like these are started by Yi fans that haven't followed or watched much Nets basketball. That's fine, and we all welcome these sorts of discussions. However, you have to trust posters like Ghoti, who has a more complete perspective on things.

One thing to understand is that, while Carter is a prolific scorer, he is also a very capable ball handler--and he is more than willing to give the ball up to an open teammate instead of taking all the shots himself. In fact, that is often one of the criticisms about him. Last year, for instance, despite playing a totally crappy team, with below average shooters for teammates, and playing on an ankle that required surgery, Carter was one of only ten players that averaged 20 points and 5 assists, including point guards. Of the 30 other players that averaged 20+ PPG, 17 took more shots than he did, which includes some big men that will have much higher FG percentages.

Carter will find the open man. If Yi shows he is a consistent shooter, he will get a chance. Also, if Yi can sprint down the court with Devin Harris, he will get chances to score.

Finally, since the important thing is not whether Yi scores points but if the Nets win, if the defense is forced to pay attention to him, Carter will be infinitely more effective.

 

[YehYeh]

take a look at the deep shooting percentages of the players who were added. Anderson and CDR hit better than 40% from the college 3-point line. Dooling, Najera, Hayes, and Simmons all hit better than 33% from the NBA 3-point line. Yi hit 29%.

Don't get me wrong, guys. The team we have is well put together. The perimeter shooting will be the best we have ever had. I'm just pointing out that Brook should be under the basket, and Yi at high post, no matter what. Would you rather have Vince doing 360's and getting 10 fouls or Brook and Yi stuffing? (btw, good news. Both Brook and Yi are excellent FT shooters)

If Yi is in the corner, he is next to useless. He needs to be near the paint to be effective. JUst look at those vids, and see where he plays. If Frank thinks we'd have a better team with another shooter at 4, then we should trade Yi somewhere else where he can develop into the superstar we'll all wish we had back.

 

[Dumpy]

Don't get me wrong, guys. The team we have is well put together. The perimeter shooting will be the best we have ever had. I'm just pointing out that Brook should be under the basket, and Yi at high post, no matter what. Would you rather have Vince doing 360's and picking up 10 fouls or Brook and Yi stuffing? (btw, good news. Both Brook and Yi are excellent FT shooters)

If Yi is in the corner, he is next to useless. He needs to be near the paint to be effective. JUst look at those vids, and see where he plays. If Frank thinks we'd have a better team with another shooter at 4, then we should trade Yi somewhere else where he can develop into the superstar we'll all wish we had back.

Coach Frank works hard to put all players in a position where they can succeed. I'm confident that he will utilize Yi in acordance with his skills.

 

[YiOF]

Carter will find the open man. If Yi shows he is a consistent shooter, he will get a chance. Also, if Yi can sprint down the court with Devin Harris, he will get chances to score.

Finally, since the important thing is not whether Yi scores points but if the Nets win, if the defense is forced to pay attention to him, Carter will be infinitely more effective.

I totally disagree. Nets are in a rebuilding mode, I don't need to watch the Nets game to know that. Is Nets winning really more important than Yi scoring points? in another word, is Nets winning a few more games next season more important than developing all the young players? I think not.

If Nets are using Yi to be a consistent jump shooter and run the floor on fast break, that's no different than what he was doing in Milwaukee. You might as well traded for Jason Kapono if you want consistent jump shooting. Yi doesn't need anyone to pass him the ball to shoot jumpers, he's 7 feet and can shoot over smaller perimeter defenders anytime he wants to, at least that's what a 7 footer should be able to do if he has the shooting range. It's a matter whether you want to develop Yi into a good role player or develop him into an offensive force. I still think post play is where Yi's value truly are.

It will allow Carter to drive to the hoop more without taking major contact. It's an important distinction. Carter can drive any time he wants, but he won't last long if he gets hammered every time.

I don't think Nets traded away RJ and Kidd to get better players to complement VC, so he can get to the basket easier. Nets are rebuilding, it should be VC who are complementing the Young players, so that Yi or Lopez or Swat can get to the basket easier. I see VC as a transitional piece that will make developing young players easier.

 

[Malorkayel]

You're getting ahead of yourself. I've watched almost all of Yi's NBA games last season. I also watched a few Nets games, I'm in NY.

Dumpy is correct, Yi will be fine in the Nets system. It will be better than Milwaukee. VC will not freeze Yi out of the offense like Redd and Mo Williams. Harris is a better guard than Mo.

The rest is up to Yi to prove himself and stay mentally strong for the season.

 

[Malorkayel]

I hear Yi will be reporting to the Nets at NJ on Monday.

 

[ffz]

me 2 hopefully he can learn something during that time. Last season he had to arrive late because of National Team duties.

 

[Kidd Karma]

Yi definitely has game, they all do. I think there was a lot of off court distractions for Yi to work on his game. The offensive side is always the side that suffers when you lack work. With the off court stuff out of the way, I can see him developing into 12-8 easily this year.

 

[NOMAM]

This is some game footage Yi should be emulating:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/yj8y2s