The Yi report

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 20, 2007 10:10 AM CDT Comment 75 comments

"Eric Weiss writes for DraftExpress.com and reviewed game film from 32 full games to come to the following conclusions."

I read it and was sortof non-plussed. He seems like quite the project. Didn't like this especially:

Yi is not effective taking contact on the block or driving the lane. He loses control of the ball very easily and gets knocked off balance when he meets minimal resistance.

Yikes. Plus while he has a good jump shot, he doesn't have much range on it.

Anyway, it seems to be the best avaiable Yi scouting report out there, and since he's only working out against furniture there may be little else to learn about him.

FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

0 recs | Comment 75 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

So does this mean

we collectively have now trashed every potentially available (at the 9) big man? Sort of feels like it's back to square one.

"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Jun 20, 2007 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

heh, it sure seems like it

back to 'just trade the pick'

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 20, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But I have "the feeling" Yi is the one!

The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on Jun 20, 2007 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pat Garrity meets Tyson Chandler

without the shooting, rebounding, or shot blocking? And he's 40? Where do I sign up?

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 20, 2007 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

whoops

I guess he allegedly blocks shots. Good to know he wasn't posterized by any assistant coaches.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 20, 2007 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't the Chinese league a few inches

Shorter than the NBA? Blocking shots might not mean anything, especially with the athleticism gap I assume is there.

Let's finish Zeke off with a diamond in the rough!

by cubbybear on Jun 20, 2007 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just read the whole thing

and regret my ridiculous comments based on a poor skim job. I thought this was a report on Yi's L.A. folding chair exhibitions.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 20, 2007 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Pete Myers would light him up!

Let's finish Zeke off with a diamond in the rough!

by cubbybear on Jun 20, 2007 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

now that I've actually read it

Yi seems to be the raw, tall gamble that I assumed he always was. He's no Bargnani.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 20, 2007 10:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

A shame

I was hoping he'd be more like Andrea... after Ford's gushing, I thought he might be.

by paxson43 on Jun 20, 2007 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hes Better

The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on Jun 20, 2007 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

it wasn't all bad. I don't think I'd trade up for him, as a project at the #9, I don't see him as any better or worse than Hawes.

And with the 9th pick the Bulls select...

by bullshooter on Jun 20, 2007 11:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Chandler's twin?

"Yi is not effective taking contact on the block or driving the lane. He loses control of the ball very easily and gets knocked off balance when he meets minimal resistance."

Sounds like Tyson in disguise...

by ScottieCartwright on Jun 20, 2007 11:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Between Tyson and Yi though is this: "He has good hands and can finish these cuts from far away due to his explosiveness and length." Presumably, he'll be able to receive passes from Kirk in the lane for easy lay-ins.

Plus, Yi can shoot.

Yi doesn't have the same rebounding instincts (perhaps more generally: ferocity?) that Tyson has.

Not a great comparison.

by paxson43 on Jun 20, 2007 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was making

the comparison from the quoted material, not an overall comparison...read before you respond

and where did you get your quote from? I'm confused how "he has good hands" but as the other quote said he "loses the ball very easily"

by ScottieCartwright on Jun 20, 2007 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so you can open

a comparison can of worms, but no one is allowed to comment on it?

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 20, 2007 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Were you referring to my comment?

If so, feel free to comment on it. What do you mean exactly?

In Pax We Trust! DAAA BULLS!

by RingItUp26 on Jun 20, 2007 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no

he was talking to me

by ScottieCartwright on Jun 20, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

seriously

you guys are the most sensitive posters I've ever seen...I can't believe YOU of all people would talk about allowed responses...you try and cut someone down for even acting like they want to challenge one of your statements

but ANYONE is welcome to respond, but if people are going to criticize, at least read the post first and try to understand what was written

by ScottieCartwright on Jun 20, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I try and cut everyone down actually.

I don't understand what the heck your problem with p43's comment was. I think you're having a reading comprehension issue here too. All the comments (except my skim then type something crazy ones) in the thread are in regards to the Yi report.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 20, 2007 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and mine wasn't?

I commented on how (at least to me in one regard) Yi compared to Tyson.

Everybody is an expert on this site...you have to forgive me, I forget these things.

by ScottieCartwright on Jun 20, 2007 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and also

I didn't open a "comparison can of worms"...you, like the other person, failed to see what was written

just like I told him...the only comparison I was making between the two was dealing strictly with the sentence in quotations

it would've been different if I said, Yi's game looks just like Chandler's...THAT'S a can of worms.

by ScottieCartwright on Jun 20, 2007 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Chandler's twin?"

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 20, 2007 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's called CONTEXT

by ScottieCartwright on Jun 20, 2007 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Sounds like Tyson in disguise..."

I get that you only think one aspect of Yi's game is similar to Chandler's, but you couldn't have been less clear about it. Your comment reads like you wanted to open up a Chandler comparison, and there was no reason to get snippy about it.

by Paxson Jackson on Jun 20, 2007 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess it's up to the reader

because to me, it read pretty clear. Obviously it wasn't though.

Look man, I don't have a problem with you or any other poster here...wasn't trying to get snippy. It just seems like a lot of times people's sole reasons for posting things are to make someone else feel dumb, especially by all of the sarcastic remarks and such.

when paxson43 wrote "not a great comparison" all I wanted to do was defend what I wrote so that he could see I wasn't trying to make an overall Chandler comparison

by ScottieCartwright on Jun 20, 2007 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All good

The quote I pulled was from a different part of the CelticsBlog article. Worth a full read if you're interested in figuring out Yi.

by paxson43 on Jun 20, 2007 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

apparently

I wasn't the only one who made the Chandler comparison...even though, this comparison was made in a different context

At first glimpse, his combination of size, agility, and quickness leads to comparisons to Andrea Bargnani, Pau Gasol, and Tyson Chandler.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2007/06/24/getting_to_know_yi/

by ScottieCartwright on Jun 26, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What is the rank now?

Would you still place Yi ahead of Noah and Hawes? It seems now like Noah is definitely the most NBA ready of the 3. In terms of total package, they might be all even. Hawes seems to be the best inside scorer, but that was in college, and he needs to bulk up. Noah seems to be like Tyson, but he seems to be smarter and a harder worker.

I agree, bullshooter, that the Bulls should just stay at 9, and take whoever is left among Yi, Noah, Hawes, and Smith, if they are serious about drafting for need.

I still like Jeff Green- if he's there at 9- because he's a better player than any of these guys. He's almost 6'10, and it increases your chances of finding a PF among Deng, Green, and Thomas. They'd have to get rid of Noc, but they would have one of the best forward rotations, if not the best. Just remember, Pax likes his Final Four players; so I think it comes down to Noah and Green.

by RingItUp26 on Jun 20, 2007 11:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I still have Hawes third.

I didn't find that report on Yi particularly surprising, in light of what I had previously heard.

The Bulls are trading for Kobe, anyway. It's aaaalllll about Kobe now.

by 1958ChiTown on Jun 20, 2007 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's how I feel.

Take the best player--even a small forward. If they have two All-Stars there, great! Trade the more expensive one for a power forward/center scoring threat. If Green or Julian Wright are on the board, that's who I want taken. There's no question about that in my mind.

That's my opinion; I understand others don't like that strategy.

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 20, 2007 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I get it

Those were my initial thoughts.

I think it all comes down to even if there's a 'best ' player available, how much better are they? If it's a toss-up might as well go with height.

I do like Jeff Green though, and as you said having two great swing players isn't a bad thing.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 20, 2007 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The biggest challenge there

Is that if the Bulls drat a swing, they may not have enough playing time to go around to develop that player. Particularly if Green is playing behind Luol, I worry that he won't get an opportunity to develop. Then he has less value as a trade asset in the future. Definitely something Pax would need to weigh.

by paxson43 on Jun 20, 2007 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Certainly...

...but for me that's not a problem. While they won't know for sure, I think they'll be able to judge somewhat accurately the potential of someone like Jeff Green, or even Julian Wright.

I'm not worried about their trade value. I'm thinking along Deng's trade value. A year from now, when his extension kicks in, he may be a $10 mil, 23-year-old All-Star.

And if they see Green/Wright as only a step or two behind... the question becomes: can they lose a "notch" or two at the SF position, and gain 3 or 4 notches in the PF/C positions?

I think, also, that if Garnett opted out next year, it would give the Bulls a legitimate shot at signing him in a sign-and-trade.

Of course, the plan could backfire; but so could any other. That's why I like simply taking the "best".

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 20, 2007 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Under Skiles,

playing time may be tough for a rookie to get no matter what. But I do agree - I'd really rather not have another season where we're all screaming for the rookie to get in. Heck, they've still got to get Ty and Thabo more time, although that should be easier if Pax can trade some bench guys away.

I guess I'm assuming that if they do take a SF, either Noc doesn't get signed or one of the two is involved in a trade, and that may not be a safe assumption to make.

"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Jun 20, 2007 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's the thing...

...if they draft a SF, none of us will be screaming for the rookie. There will be a solid player already there.

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 20, 2007 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely.

And that's where the scouting comes.

For me, this isn't about help next year or in the future; no player around at 9 will help the team win next year--at least not on a league-wide scale. In my opinion.

For the nine, it's about what's known and potential. I think there's a good body of work on Green that allows to know two things: He's as "NBA ready" to help as Noah would be, but he also has the athletic ability and body that gives hope for significantly more improvement. Okay, that doesn't convey my thoughts exactly, but I don't really want to think more about it.

My draft night Excite-o-meter ranks the players thus:

Green
Julian Wright
Yi
Hawes
Noah

I'll be happy for any of those just for the intrigue it will bring.

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 20, 2007 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really don't know....

what you guys are talking about or who you are referring to. I just made a small comment on the rank, the Bulls should stay at 9, and I like Green. I didn't mean to challenge or criticize anyone or restrict anyone from commenting.

In Pax We Trust! DAAA BULLS!

by RingItUp26 on Jun 20, 2007 11:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oh, sorry lol

In Pax We Trust! DAAA BULLS!

by RingItUp26 on Jun 20, 2007 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Atlanta & Horford

It just seems to be increasingly clear that there are only two draft prospects, Oden & Horford, that could have an imediate impact in the area of primary need for the Bulls... all around low-post player. Oden is obviously way off the table... but apparently Horford as the 3rd pick is not. Maybe something like this could get us there. I think that's at least worth consideration by both sides... maybe throw in Khryapa as well... and take back either the aging Anthony Johnson or the just not very good Tyronn Lue. However, the obvious question is would Pax & co. consider drafting someone they haven't actually worked out privately. Lastly... but actually on that same comment... I still think they should take a look at Herbert Hill with one of their second round picks (scroll to one of the last comments in the string). Just a couple pre-draft thoughts...

by micah on Jun 20, 2007 12:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oops...

meant to note the obvious that that trade would include swaping the 3rd and 9th picks as well...

by micah on Jun 20, 2007 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"New" CNNSi Mock Draft is up...

They have Noah gone at 4, Bulls taking Yi, Hawes taken by NO.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/chris_ekstrand/06/20/mock.draft/index.html

by 1958ChiTown on Jun 20, 2007 12:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

that the report shows what was the assumption on him is correct, he is a project. Hawes has only played 3/4 of a college season and is also a project. The choice is if want help for next year do you draft a Wallace Backup (Noah) or a Deng backup (Green or Wright). At 9 I would probably take Julian Wright.

by LD9 on Jun 20, 2007 1:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The report

Why is everyone so convinced by this report and this one guys take on Yi. He was also known to be a pogo stick but has apparently gained about 20 pounds which should allow him to take contact better. His game sort of sounds reminiscint of Deng a bit. Except hes freakin 7 feet tall and is more athletic. He might be a project, but a damn good project and might be more ready than other projects because unlike chandler and other big man projects he has some dependable skills like a 10-15 foot jump shot.

by Sambossanova on Jun 20, 2007 1:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

why?

because this guy's actually watched games and not just youtube highlights.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 20, 2007 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i still beleive

im sure other scouts have watched all the games too and some people are still very high about him. I am just saying, everyone here shouldnt start quitting on the yi movement just because he has some deficiencies (all players besides maybe the top2-3 picks have big deficiencies). furthermore, have you seen the youtube highlit of him posterizing gasol...that video says all I ever need to know.

by Sambossanova on Jun 20, 2007 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I trust Paxson's assessment.

When Paxson spoke about Yi, he said that the guy was a legitimate scoring threat in the NBA, based on what he witnessed on the scouting trip to China.

Obviously, Paxson's comments were terse. Unfortunately, he didn't set forth an entire scouting report. Still, it does seem that Paxson thinks highly of Yi's offensive potential. This conclusion tends to be corroborated by other media reports stating that the Bulls have Yi high up on their draft board.

by 1958ChiTown on Jun 20, 2007 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

could just be a smokescreen

it's of no benefit to Pax to say Yi sucks.

Say you really like him and maybe somebody trades up to get him.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 20, 2007 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True.

by 1958ChiTown on Jun 20, 2007 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wang Zhizhi

or whoever was the 1st NBA Chinese player dominated Yi in the CNBA finals from what I saw in a newspaper.

by LD9 on Jun 20, 2007 1:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

In a little

over a week we'll all know who it will be.

Buckle your seatbelts kids. It's going to be a bumpy couple of weeks.

by sue369 on Jun 20, 2007 2:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh Sue

you are always here to calm us down.

by SRQman on Jun 20, 2007 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

Buckle your seatbelts kids. It's going to be a bumpy couple of weeks.

by sue369 on Jun 20, 2007 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I need my Iowa fix

Is Adam Haluska working out for anyone? I haven't seen him crack the second round on any mock drafts, but I have seen him rated as the top 12 shooting gaurd

Maybe he will get signed on to the Bull's summer league team and make the team. Then we will trade for Collison.

by Jesse07 on Jun 20, 2007 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He worked

out for the Bulls yesterday and I saw a list of the other teams he visited and the only one I can remember was the Sonics.

I think Matt would shit a brick if Adam and Nick were to join Kirk on the Bulls. Too much Iowa. ;-)

Right now I would trust Pax with my life. :-)

by sue369 on Jun 20, 2007 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any word,

On how the work out went?

by Jesse07 on Jun 20, 2007 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He fell out of favor the last day of the PIT.

His outside shot wasn't going down, and he couldn't drive left. Plus, since he was a third option as a junior and one of only two options as a senior, no one's really sure if he can create for teammates.

His biggest pluses are that he's still considered very athletic, very smart and can finish just about any type of guard shot inside because of his strength.

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on Jun 20, 2007 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ball Handling

I doubt he translates to a point gaurd on the next level. If he did, he might have an outside shot at the Bull's rotation. * Kirk * Ben * Sefolsha.

He would definately bring more to the table than Barrett. Also, he is a "Paxson type player".

by Jesse07 on Jun 20, 2007 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hawks

pick for Chicago and the bulls pick for the Hawks and swap players plus include another player or cash. We get Horford! Great! Hawks gets a little break financially swapping a 3 pick instead of a 9 pick. Bulls get a real good PF in Horford. Ty2 still in the mix.

by exult463 on Jun 20, 2007 4:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I doubt they trade down 6 spots

for a 'break' financially.

That said, Hortford is the one guy I'd want to trade up for as he's the only one who can be the right-away and future post scorer.

Hawks still do owe a pick to Phoenix next year. Think tossing next year's #1 would be wise?

I'd say they could also offer to take on Claxton but the Duh+Veektor salary combo doesn't do it. If they actually liked Duhon the Bulls could take (ugh) Tyronn Lue, but in reality I don't see them even wanting Duhon with Lue, Claxton and Anthony Johnson on the roster already.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 20, 2007 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bulls

probably would have to be in position to draft Conley for this to work. And I agree, they probably don't want Duhon, but the Hawks would need to dump some of their player(s) salary in the deal and receive soon to expire contract player(s) from the bulls, and/or maybe some cash.

by exult463 on Jun 20, 2007 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lue, Claxton and Anthony Johnson

Are not in the same class as Conley. Hawks can't continue devaluing the PG role. Sure the Hawks would love to have either Kirk or Conley if the latter was the 9th pick.

by exult463 on Jun 20, 2007 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmm, I like

So Matt are you saying this trade

To Bulls: #3 07
To Hawks: #9 07 and Bulls 1st Rd 08 + cash

That is interesting, although not sure Hawks would take it. Obviously depends on who is there at #9

As far as Bulls, it could be great idea, 08 1st rd pick should be very low, and Hortford at #3 would be much safer / better choice for new rookie then #9 player in 07. Plus why do Bulls need another rookie in 08, they have plenty of youth, what 08 rookie is going to crack lineup of Wallace /Tyrus /Deng /Hinrich /Gordon /Hortford Thabo

by NY Chicago Fan on Jun 21, 2007 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs