Here's the deal. We have the #1 pick. If China wants Yao to be selected #1, they must oblige to our rules. Period. If they dont, then we could trade the pick to some craphole team like the grizz. Or the Cavs? Or Hawks? We can screw them more than they can screw us. Regardless of what happens, we will be in a better position after the draft than before. However, China cannot afford the Rockets trading the pick to a bad team located in a city that they are not fond of.
RD, That's exactly what this Rocket's trip is all about...guarantees. I think if China wants the prestige of having the first international player selected #1, they'll agree to what the Rockets want. Guess we'll know more in a week.
I concur, but this Wang Zhi Zhi deal is going to hurt the negotiations, especially if he is trying to defect like some are saying. DaDakota
And ours. We don't often get the top pick.... and Yao is such an intriguing prospect. I agree, though, anything but Yao going #1 to Houston hurts both sides.... so why the fuss, China?
You have the power if and only if China needs Yao to be drafted #1 ... however if you cant give them the garantuees the want/need and can live with ming beeing drafted a few positions lower then you have no power whatsoever ... that said Huston will should still be ok after this draft picking Butler or trading Jay Williams or whatever they do ...
