What Would Yao & Shaq Look Like In Today’s NBA?

RJ, Channing, and Duncan discuss the differences in today’s NBA compared to the early 2000s, and what Yao & Shaq would look like against small-ball lineups.

Full episode drops Thursday, August 4th!

[nba_fan]

People forget that guys like Yao and Shaq used to be very mobile/agile when they were younger and skinnier but gradually put on more weight to compete against each other. But in today's league that's more pace oriented, those guys probably stay leaner and are still able to play at a faster pace.

[mannedi]

Yao would still be very relevant because one of his greatest asset is his mid range and FT shooting which is 83% career. If he'll be playing in today's game, his training regiment and body build would be different to adapt to the modern style of play.

[Binnieishere]

Shaq would still be the same dominant player, but Yao would have thrived in this era. Yao was a kind of a hybrid big man where he had all-around skills, passing and shooting. Just didn't get to show it as much because that's when big men actually played more traditional style but if he transitioned and evolved his game into this era, he would have been in discussion as best center in the league.

[thumper]

Yao would dominate in today’s league. Even more than he did during his era. Good to see Yao getting love.

[aa-kr]

yao would score anywhere in today's NBA, he shot like 85% from the line and shot turn around fadeaways, he was as unguardable as the dirk fade, he would be shooting threes in the modern NBA.

[maggo_]

“Imagine fouling a tree, who can move like a cat.” Bro 😂😂😂

[apoggione]

Watching gigantic people complain about being small is hilarious

[yeezo]

With Yao’s touch, he would acquire the 3-pointer shooting skill in this era.

[CTOInformation]

Yao got the skill and size. Yao dominated prime Dwight every time they met. Monster.

[Quan]

Richard made an important point. Shaq forces you to alter and change ur lineup. So ur first center gets two fouls n then the back up comes in and the back up needed to be the same size n talented or else n then u need a third. So now where u can have a center n two small ball centres who shoot 3s that’s not happening because u need 3 real centres. So ur not having all the wings that u want because Shaq is around. If Shaq played for these Celtics, Looney is fouled out n Deaymond guards him, who comes in for draymond because Shaq is also playing 40mpg

[divdedumb]

Yao was such a problem that he could post you up or shoot the mid-range on PnR. The guy even ran his own fast break with behind the back moves. You can Youtube this lol.

[EvanPavon]

Yao could shoot a middie and post and was quick for his size. Also can pass from the post. Ez top 10 player when he’s healthy

[sayomom]

If Yao didn't have his knee problems, he would dominate in the league

[Biotoze]

I love hearing players talk about facing Yao and Shaq. Always hilarious

[MrBobbyCrane]

I say Wilt could have been as physically dominant as Shaq and so did he, a lot, although he also often spoke about how he disliked that kind of play and preferred finesse. It is why he perfected the fadeaway that everyone says is Dirks or Kobe or MJ.. 1st it was a 7ft Wilt Chamberlains shot. The latest footage that has been worked on to make it HD is amazing. I think Wilt and Shaq would have been incredible Rivals if they played today. Anyone who has not truly watched Wilts 1hr long highlights in HD, please do. He is beyond belief and was so well spoken and just unique. Excited for this episode!

[JimBeGaming]

I think realistically if Yao played in today’s game you’d be forced to run a zone with him on the defensive end. One because he will get abused in the pick and roll, he’s just too slow to guard the elite perimeter players of today. And two, his size and IQ would make him absolutely amazing for rebounds and interior defense. I don’t feel the need to mention what he would be bringing on the offensive side of the ball because I think everyone is well aware of how skilled Yao was for his size. A healthy Yao Ming in today’s game would cause a lot of teams problems on both ends of the court.

[misteremachine]

I had this argument with my little cousin. Yes the Warriors are good and that small ball thing is amazing, but Shaq and Yao Ming would absolutely violate that team. EVERYONE is fouling out lol. I went to see Shaq, Yao and Dirk play vs the Knicks. These 3 people are unreal in person. You can barely describe it

[Galactic]

Yao was a very underrated passer too. If you doubled him, he could make you look silly.

[dza]

Yao probably guards the PnR better than Duncan Robinson 😭

[chopstix]

When u are elite, u can dominate in any era because u possess unique skill sets that is the best