I've almost had enough of his crazy predictions about how drafting Ming will be our biggest regret since Drexler (This is the same guy who thought we should pick Chris Marcus with the 5th pick, a center that doesn't have half the talent that Ming has.) He trys to prove it by comparing Ming to Wang, and his numbers in his first couple of seasons as a Maverick on a deep bench. Yes, Wang's numbers do not jump out, but how can they when he is playing on a bench that consists of Bradley and Dirk playing above him. Then at the end of his column, he thinks that trading the pick for OLAWKANDI, a player in all means is the essence of a "bust," would be the best thing the Rockets could do. I would rather trade the pick for a totem poll; at least then we would have some one that could keep his ground vs Shaq. sick and tired. It's always important to have a back-up plan. The Rockets give the confidence speech very well, and the Chinese have received them in grand fashion as talks begin in Shanghai about the future of China's Yao Ming. It looks like one big happy family ready to have a celebration feast . . .but that's just the surface. If you listen to what both sides are saying, you hear diametrically opposed points of view being expressed in the nicest of ways. CHINA: The Chinese are confident that an agreement can be reached that will enable Yao Ming to play in the NBA while still satisfying his responsibilities to the Shanghai Sharks and playing in international competitions. The Chinese would also like to have re-broadcast rights to Rockets games, access to Houston coaches for international basketball clinics, and a no-trade clause. HOUSTON: The Rockets are in full support of the Shanghai Sharks and of Yao Ming's playing in international tournaments for China, provided that there is no conflict with the Rockets' schedule. Houston is also telling China that they plan to keep Yao Ming long-term. The Rockets have not publicly addressed the possibility of their coaching staff putting itself at the disposal of the Chinese. THE NBA: The collective bargaining agreement does not allow for a no-trade clause. Other than that, the league will allow the Rockets to negotiate with complete autonomy. David Stern said it is no business of the NBA's whom the Rockets draft as long as league rules (not international laws) are followed. Notice the difference? The Rockets and the Chinese agree to share Ming as long as neither team's schedules are interrupted. HELLO! The Sharks are playing tournaments right now, the NBA playoffs are going on. If the Rockets were in the NBA Finals, they would be there without Yao Ming. Does this constitute a disruption of the Rockets' season? I would say it does. A 7'5" 255 pound disruption. Let's lay all of that aside for a moment. Let's say that somehow the Rockets and the Sharks come to an agreement that allows BOTH teams to warp the lunar calendar and have Yao Ming whenever they need him. Fine. The bigger question is: IS YAO MING THE BEST PROSPECT IN THE DRAFT??? Ask anyone. Jay Williams is the only clear immediate impact player in this summer's draft class. If the Rockets don't have Steve Francis, they pick Williams, look like genuises, and never have a second thought about it. Having Steve Francis makes this a little stickier. Now we have to look at the best player who is NOT a point guard. That takes out two of the top three players in the draft (with Memphis' Dajaun Wagner being the other). The Rockets may need a center, but let's not get carried away by Ming's 7'5" frame. Yao Ming never won a Chinese championship until Wang Zhizhi left to play for the Dallas Mavericks. Zhizhi dominated Ming in every way, shape, and form, and remains the most popular player in China. Wow! Zhizhi must be tearing up the league for Dallas, right? Well . . .not exactly. In 55 games this season, Wang averaged 5.6 points, 2 rebounds, and .3 blocks per game. Yes, at 7'1" 220 Wang dominated Ming. THIS is who we are talking about drafting #1? I'm glad the Rockets have a workout scheduled with Jay Williams after they return from China. The Rockets will regret this decision. The best thing that can happen is that the talks in China run aground with Wang's apparently impending defection spooking the Chinese, and Houston takes Williams with the first pick. The Clippers are waiting for the phone call that means Olowokandi will be a Rocket. Again, I say: MAKE THE DEAL.
If I had read this article 2 weeks ago, I would have completely agreed. But, after thinking about it endlessly, I feel like it is a risk worth taking. Plus, after watching the video of the rockets and ming, I am starting to get pumped up. Rudy and CD know what they are doing. If they feel he is special, then he is. Plain and simple. I dont think they would be so excited about him if he was a scrub. HE MUST BE DA MAN!!!
Last week, I started going to his website and message board on hoopsworld a few times a day for a good laugh.
Somehow, "Wang dominated Ming" falls into TRG's usual pattern of hyperbole and grotesque fabrications. He's entitled to his opinion, but he's pandering to the tabloids crowd.
