Post by zeropointzero on Oct 11, 2010 0:17:50 GMT -5
Yi Jianlian
Age: 19 (allegedly)
Height: 7'0''
Weight: 240
Position: PF
School: N/A
Inside = B-: In the post, Yi has two moves that he goes to virtually every time he touches the ball: A turnaround jumper and a right handed jump hook. Yi is able to turn to either shoulder with his turnaround jumper, with range out to about 14 feet from the basket. The right-handed jump hook that he possesses is not on display as much, but when he does go to it, he exhibits great extension and converts at a very high rate.
Outside = C+: He has already proven to be completely adapted to playing in a “pick and pop” type system, honing his jumpshot to the point that he is pretty much automatic from 19 feet and in. Although there seems to be this notion going around that Yi is an outstanding three point shooter, the Chinese big man shot just under 20% from the International three point line this past season, disproving that idea. He looks much more comfortable and is much more accurate when shooting the ball one step in from the three point line, around the 18 foot mark.
Handling = C: Decision making is an area that Yi certainly must improve upon, given the fact that he is incredibly turnover prone at the moment. He does not do a very good job reading the defense out of double teams, often forcing passes with little to no room at all. Yi just does not look too comfortable with the ball in his hands when pressured, something he must surely improve upon if he hopes to reach anywhere near his full potential in the NBA.
Defense = C: While Jianlian exerts excellent leaping ability, his timing and inability to utilize his strength hurt him mightily as far as his shot blocking is concerned. When pegged against former Xavier big man Anthony Myles (and also 6-7 former Auburn power forward Chris Porter for that matter), he was muscled under the basket to the point that he was unable to even contest the undersized post players’ shots. The blocks that Yi was able to get were only because he is so much longer and more athletic than the other players on the floor, a testament to how much of a freak show he truly is physically.
Rebounding = C: Rebounding is one area that Yi needs improvement upon, on both ends of the floor. His effort crashing the offensive glass lapses frequently, as many times he just stands around the perimeter instead of attacking the rim. Defensively, Yi relies upon his athleticism to corral rebounds. He does a very poor job boxing out and often finds himself pushed underneath the basket, unable to even contest for rebounds. Yet again, not what you would expect out of a freak athlete standing seven feet tall and weighing nearly 250 lbs.
Potential = A: While the international craze that had GM's fawning over every 7 footer that could shoot a jump shot has died down some over the last few seasons, Yi's unique mix of size and skill will be tough to turn down for an owner looking to play an uptempo pace.
