Yi Jianlian 2010 Outlook

According to ESPN projections for the upcoming 2010 NBA season, Yi's play has been erratic over his career with the Bucks and with the New Jersey Nets. With a new Wizards team this year, he is better suited coming off the bench as a wing player, running the floor and knocking down jump shots. In fantasy basketball, Yi is qualified to play small forward and power forward.

After watching Yi play this summer (see highlights in our archives), I would have to disagree with ESPN. Yi can be more successful playing the power forward or center position, even as a backup. He has bulked up considerably. Yi can be a force finishing plays and flashing around the basket, playing off of John Wall and Andray Blatche. As a center in the NBA, he can take bigger and slower players off the dribble. With the threat of hitting the midrange jumper, Yi can significantly improve his FG percentage, offensive rebounding, blocks and scoring if he can focus on the inside.

This is Yi's final year in his rookie contract. He has to stay healthy and show that he is a solid NBA player. If he can consistently put up 15 pts 8 reb this season, he will be serviceable for many teams.