This whole thing with China I'm serious. I mean this is by far more exciting than last year. Even If we didn't know Kwame was going 1st I don't think more eyes were on that #1 pick than this year. I mean. . . IS HE COMING? WHAT WILL IT COST WILL THE ROCKETS RISK IT? The Atmosphere of hype is so intense now. If Ming pulls out .. . IT DRAMATICALLY changes the WHOLE draft picture . . hell the whole off season. [esp for our beloved rockets.] I predict this will be the most watched draft in history [WWWOOOO HHHOOOOOO - major accomplishment.] Rocket RIver BE OVER ALREADY!!!
I believe that he can not pull out, that date has passed. So, whichever team drafts him will have his rights when he is finally cleared to play in the NBA. I think Houston takes him number 1 no matter what. DaDakota
I agree. If he is that valuable a commodity you tie up his rights whether he comes to the NBA this year or not. I'll forgive them.
What if he doesn't play this year....or next year. Remember, we don't have a 1st round pick next year because it goes to Memphis. Thats 2-3 more years of suffering if Ming and China holds us hostage if we draft him without proper clearance. Once we draft him, they have our balls in a sling if we haven't ironed out all the details.
<i>What if he doesn't play this year....or next year. Remember, we don't have a 1st round pick next year because it goes to Memphis. Thats 2-3 more years of suffering if Ming and China holds us hostage if we draft him without proper clearance. Once we draft him, they have our balls in a sling if we haven't ironed out all the details</i> You are missing the fact that the Chinese want Yao in the NBA. They want him to be successful. They want him to make alot of money. They want an NBA team to help them recruit foreign players and to hold coaching clinics. They want to improve the Chinese program prior to hosting the 2008 Olympics. They have as much or more to lose than the Rockets. Why would they withhold Yao and kill any possibility of sending future players to the NBA? They need to give Yao the best possible chance to succeed. Why do you think that Stern keeps throwing the Sarbonis example in their face? He knows that they can't blow this opportunity. I think DaDakota is exactly right, the Rockets select Yao regardless of whether or not they get FIBA clearance.
