appearing in mondays newspaper is this bit from Sam Smith The Rockets continue to say they want to spend the first pick of the June 26 draft on Yao Ming, but they have yet to say they will. They are said to be concerned that the Chinese government is worried Yao will defect and therefore won't let him leave the country. That would mean Duke's Jay Williams might not be available for the Bulls with the No. 2 pick. So what would Plan B be? Although Cavs general manager Jim Paxson has been saying Andre Miller isn't available, hardly anyone believes that. Would the cash-strapped Cavs, reluctant to pay Miller as he approaches free agency, take point guard Jamal Crawford and the No. 2 pick for Miller if the Bulls decide they're going to lose Williams? Not likely. But there is a deal that does make sense for the Cavaliers. The Cavs have told Miller to wait for his extension so they can sign Ricky Davis, but that could send Miller to free agency. Miller, who led the league in assists this season, is from Los Angeles, and the Clippers badly need a point guard. With a top one like Miller, they could be serious competitors with Elton Brand, Michael Olowokandi and Lamar Odom. Would the Cavaliers take point guard Keyon Dooling, Quentin Richardson, Darius Miles or Corey Maggette, draft picks Nos. 8 and 12 for Miller, Lamond Murray and No. 4? The Cavs then could turn around and trade one of the players and picks to Minnesota for Wally Szczerbiak, a Miami of Ohio product whom they covet as a local favorite. The Timberwolves remain concerned about chemistry problems between Szczerbiak and Kevin Garnett. Another complication is Steve Francis, known in Houston as "the Franchise," reportedly is urging the Rockets to package the No. 1 pick to the Clippers for Odom and the Clippers' two No. 1 picks. _____________________________________________________________ The Rockets continue to say they want to spend the first pick of the June 26 draft on Yao Ming, but they have yet to say they will. They are said to be concerned that the Chinese government is worried Yao will defect and therefore won't let him leave the country. What the hell does this guy know that we don't? Is this another chicago ploy? Another complication is Steve Francis, known in Houston as "the Franchise," reportedly is urging the Rockets to package the No. 1 pick to the Clippers for Odom and the Clippers' two No. 1 picks. If this is true then Francis is showing signs of that pampered little baby that he exhibited when he was drafted by Vancuver. Notice the sarcasm when he wirtes the franchise , insinuating that francis runs the show, (like getting his boy Morris drafted. If this is true then the rockets need to pull him aside and show him who writes the checks. If he still comporting himself like this then trade him.
looks like some good old farce from Chicago. They're probably just trying to get people to read their Sports Section. But... I would like to hear some Ming updates from the Rockets organization. milo ____________________________________
It may be. For instance, this may be based on the "Wang Zhi Zhi is missing" story. We know that is bs, but some people don't. I even heard them talk about it on PTI. They didn't know what was going on. You never know. Reporters information is sometimes incorrect, and sometimes they have an agenda. They may engage in rampant speculation. Kind of like this post
If Jay Williams isn't available for the #2 pick, then obviously that means Yao Ming is. I only have this excerpt to go on, but if Sam doesn't think the Bulls would be interested in Yao, then everything in there is extremely suspect. That's BS that the Bulls are interested in Jay Williams and Jay Williams alone. Krause'll take either of the top two and be happy as a pig in s___. I'm not getting excited by what Mr. Smith speculates about Stevie.
Let francis say what he wants. Mabe ming will be a bust and lamar will average a triple double. Or ming will be great and odom will be kicked out the league. You never know. I'd perfer to get the picks and draft either Woods,butler,amare,hilrio,or that guy from tennesse. and wilcox too.
What is the safest pick? We can: 1) Take Ming - Sucess or Bust, it will max out as a waste of a first round pick. There will be no long, expensive contract for three years for us to regret. Ming has no real American ties. If he is a sucess, he will most likely stick with the city that drafted him, much like Olajuwon. 2) Trade for talent - We can listen to Steve's demands (whether they are real or misunderstood) and trade off some of our waste in exchange for odom or someone else. Realistic: Will trading off Cato for Odom push us to a championship? NO! What will happen in 4 years when we are still lotto bound ... or struggling at 5th seed year in and year out ... with no future signs of relief? And lets say Washington is pushing 3rd seed out in the east? Do you think these guys will stick with the team? The Key: IF you trade, it MUST be a championship worthy team. If not, your gamble is higher bringing in second rate stars who will bail for greener pastures in three years. In three years: Cato's contract will be up. Rice's contract will be up. Taylor will established. Griffen will be established. Ming will be closer to being established. Francis will be in his prime. Mobley will be in his prime. Personally, I feel Ming will be much more loyal to the Rockets than any player coming out of college.