http://sports.sohu.com/20041112/n222951026.shtml CD said: "I never question my-self of drafting Yao, if I were wrong about him, I will change my job" CD also think Yi is very good player, he said:"Yi is capable of playing in NBA, if I got the first pick again, I will pick him for sure;or if he is free agent now, I will sign him immediately" and then CD talked a lots about trade of T-mac, China, and Championship etc...
In the other thread, it was stated that the Rockets really wanted Yi and that they wanted Yao to help make that happen. That is VERY different from the statements here.
If Yao can help to make rocket to sign Yi, then who needs to get draft. In the article I don't see CD made that statement. That will be VERY unprofessional if CD made that statement.
Well the fact is Yao CAN NOT help sign Yi, even if we wanted to. You must go through the draft no matter what if u want to play in the NBA. IF he is undrafted (which isnt gona happien) we can sign him as a free agent.
You right, but the thread posted by fa7999 was incorrect. CD likes Yi's talents, but the articles mentioned CD would like to draft Yi if rocket gets first pick again or sign as a free agent if Yi is undrafted. CD NEVER ask Yao to help!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://bbs2.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?threadid=86616 Read a couple of articles indicating that CD's next target is to sign Yi Jianlian no matter what, and has asked Yao as the go between. I am not sure whether Yi can be borderline great. He was awful at the Olympics. However, CD said that he is always correct in evaluating talents (really?) and wants Yi badly.
