Comments on: Length: An Organizational Philosophy

By: Aram

Aram — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:50:38 +0000

“Yao’s wingspan, from what I can find is actually shorter than his height (88 in 87in 1:.998). Yao would have what is called wasted height because a lot of it is in his head. Anything above the shoulders being essentially wasted.

Xavier, we all know that defense is played with your feet, but think of guys like Pippen (or Ariza) with sound fundamentals, their length only enhances that good foot work.”
Actually Yao Ming’s wingspan is nearly 89 in and his height is nearly 90, but his wingspan is probably still slightly less than his own height. Needingless to say, Yao still has relatively short arms. However, he doesn’t have that much ‘wasted’ height because his head isn’t actually that long compared to his height. Now this guy has a long head (but his short neck does sort of ‘even’ things out I suppose).
btw, He’s 7,4″ (barefoot) and has an 8,1″ wingspan! Freak!
Don’t know his standing reach but I’ve heard it’s like 9,10″ or 9,11″!

By: Kurt

Kurt — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:22:00 +0000

Rockets preview up

By: Hassan

Hassan — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:13:08 +0000

Oh yeah and Gatinho, thank you, that was a sick article. Everyone can see the art in basketball, but few people appreciate the scientific element as well.

By: Hassan

Hassan — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:10:01 +0000

I think this is the 10th time I’m checking the site for the new game preview What do you guys like as keys to tonight’s game?
The Rockets have good defense all the way around. No matter how good Kobe is, I think we all agree that having Artest guarding you will mess up your shots. The team prides itself on its D, they play excellent team defense as a result, and penetration isn’t gonna be at its easiest tonight. The Lakers however must be patient and not settle for perimeter shots. As long as they keep the ball moving, they will get open and get good shots.
The Rockets offense is a lot weaker. They don’t have the fastest ball movement, and often rely on Yao ad McGrady to create baskets for them. Limiting McGrady, not letting Yao getting good positioning in the paint and closing down on 3 point shooters will make the game really hard for the Rockets.
I was watching the Rockets-Celtics game, and I think one really good way to take out the Rockets is to get the ball down low early, attack Yao and get him in foul trouble. Taking out Yao leaves them with an unbelievably small frontcourt consisting of the 6-9 Scola, 6-9 Landry, 6-6 Hayes and a 6-8 Dorsey. That should definitely help us when we get in the paint, and in controlling the boards. This could be the Rockets’ biggest weakness, and I would love to see our team take advantage.

Let’s hear your views guys!

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:23:35 +0000

Like my first coach ever told me: I can’t teach tall.

Great post, where do you find these hard to find player stats?

By: harold

harold — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:35:56 +0000

I thought the general scouting report for Kobe was that you don’t go for blocks as he pump fakes alot but just hold your ground all the time.

If you’re long, you can afford to jump a little later and still bother the shooter, or just not jump and settle for hand-in-face.

But still, no matter how long you are, if you just reach-in, that’s near an automatic foul against good players. Length gives you more options, and enhances your already sound defense. Defense is still mostly about your footwork.

… I’m trying very hard to keep away from obvious metaphors that involve length and the quote about girth…

By: j. d. hastings

j. d. hastings — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:59:58 +0000

Oh man, it would be so awesome if Yao decided to go Soccer player and started blocking shots with his head!

Xavier- it must be nice to be able to tie your shoes without leaning over…

By: KurkPeterman

KurkPeterman — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:48:06 +0000

wondahbap – I feel you on that. He doesn’t seem like a great athlete (like say Ariza) and can’t utilize his size to get up for dunks or much of an inside game. When he’s locked in on his shot though, he does exactly what we want him to do – spread the floor.

By: wondahbap

wondahbap — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:20:29 +0000

KurkPeterman,

I just wished Sasha seemed 6’7″. He doesn’t rebound or finish like he is.

By: wondahbap

wondahbap — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:19:08 +0000

As far as Tayshaun Prince goes. His length was effective against Kobe, because he had players backing him, that could allow him to mke Kobe shoot, just as Posey played Kobe in the Finals. Posey did a great job of getting closer to Kobe on pump fakes and limiting space because he had back up. He took away options. Same thing with Prince. It’s hard to get a jumpshot over the long arms, when it’s the only shot available to you.

I’d like to see the same kind of defense, because then the frontline length really helps when you get closed out by length ,just to be met with more.