the thread topic stems from the argument that Yao brings Les money through more than basketball and that's why he's going to keep him maybe you should read the first post in the thread.
"I'm posted this in another thread (i'd love to start my own, but can't): Once and for all, I'd love someone to start quantifying these "benefits" from China. What are they exactly? Even if Rox games are the highest rated in China, I don't think the NBA shares revenue based on that. So that really only leaves merch sales... And it is already established that Yao is not a top merch seller." Even the title is "Cash COW Looking for details...." Isn't he asking for proof that Yao Ming is a cash cow?
yao is no good at bball. in fact he sucks at it. les drafted and kept him all these years and will never let go of him only because he generates some $$$ for les. and even that money-bringing part is quite debatable. so i don't know what yao is good for other than being a 7'6 stiff. there, i said it - for some out there who wanted to say it but for what reason did not say it explicitly.
Once and for all, except for Les and his accountants, nobody on the board can really quantify these "benefits" from China. Does that mean it's non-existing? All the evidence shows there is real benefit brought by Yao, if nobody can show you the exact number, you are willing to dismiss the fact. I don't know what to say. Just like you stand in a huge empty arena, full of air. You are breathing the air. While people without knowledge of the blueprint of the arena, and actual air density and other attributes, they can't give you an exact number of oxygen existing in the building. Are you going to deny there is oxygen, and lots of it, in the arena, although you are breathing it?
Since someone asked for "substantive evidence" and you can't provide one. So, here is my cash cow parrot talking: "The 7'6 Chinese stiff is going! The 7'6 Chinese stiff is going!" Please take those Chinese shoe deals, Chinese business ads and fans going with him too! No player can be greater than the team especially we just beat fakers 2 out of 4 without the big stiff.
substantive = have substance, which many members had provided plenty. substantive <> quantitative (i.e., down to a dollar) and i've stated more than once, i actually think this how much money yao brings to les is insignificant in the big picture. and how's this thread have to to "no player can be greater than the team" issue? are you saying if we were swept by the lakers after yao went out, it would have been the proof otherwise?
From going through some of these posts, it looks like Les might benefit more from Yao than the team. Based on his court production and injuries? No way I'd give Yao a max deal. And nothing close to 6 years. As has been mentioned already, a lot of revenue is shared and the "Yao" factor is hard to quantify. I would say that if I was a borderline all star caliber guy, playing for the Rockets (and Yao) would probably be my top choice. The China endorsements of course, are very nice. But more importantly, I would be on TV more and start in the All-Star game (if I was anywhere close to deserving) -which would only increase my marketability and value. I hope that free agents consider this.
WTF on earth do you people care about how much Les makes out of Yao. The fact is, Yao's international popularity does increase the brand value of NBA, and the ROX. That certainly opens up sources of financing and future revenue opportunities. And if that money is not made for Houston, it's gonna go somewhere else in NBA, coz NBA is not letting go of YAO for sure certainty. And why do you think these people competing to put balls in a basketball can make tens of millions a year. Im sure Les didn't buy ROX just to please you couch potatos. So if you are not pleased with certain player, just lashes out, coz the money side is really none of your concerns.
