From ESPN http://dynamic.espn.go.com/espn/chat/chatESPN?event_id=1809#bottom Bill (Oakland): Ken: Will Houston use the #1 pick to draft Ming or will they opt for an established veteran and a lower pick? A trade with the Clippers for Odom and the #8 might be acceptible. What's your thoughts? Ken Bikoff: (5:11 PM ET ) My gut tells me that there is a good chance Houston will stick with the No. 1 pick because they need a big man and won't likely get one in a trade. Moving down is an option, but I don't know how much teams are going to be willing to give up to get such a risky player as Yao. I think they will take the Chinese import and try to build around him, Francis and Cuttino Mobley. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Correct Analysis - rockets won't get what they want in return...they'll keep Ming
more as it comes........... Saint (lexington, va): What would I want with a 7'5" big man who can stretch the defense and cannot post-up when I can get lots of other players to do that for me without sacrificing defense. Ken Bikoff: (5:32 PM ET ) It's important to remember that Yao is 22-years-old, and no 22-year-old is a good defender. His size and ability to run the floor will make him an asset, and he's going to be a very solid player. You don't have any players who can stretch the defense and happen to be 7-5, and that's the real draw.
another rockets question.... Dale(Dallas): Do you think the rockets will pick jay williams? Ken Bikoff: (5:40 PM ET ) Steve Francis isn't about to move from his point guard spot, and selecting Williams would be counterproductive to what the Rockets are trying to accomplish. They need someone inside, and they aren't going to break up Francis and Cuttino Mobley to get a point guard.
more.... Tony (Newark): Who is going to be the biggest sleeper in this year's draft? Also in 5 years do you think Ming will be an all star or a bust? Ken Bikoff: (5:45 PM ET ) Now that is the $12 million question. I think Yao will have the opportunity to be an All-Star if he is given a chance to adapt to the NBA slowly and learn at his own pace. Pushing him and placing a lot of expectations on him will be trouble because few players excel in that situation, but if he isn't asked to be Mr. Everything right off the bat, he can be something special. Maybe not a Hall-of-Famer and perennial All-Star, but definitely a top big man.
