http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090708/ap_on_sp_bk_ne/bkn_yao_injured "HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets are still hoping Yao Ming returns next season, but they have been able to cash in on his injury. The Rockets applied for a disabled player exception from the NBA a few weeks ago, betting that their All-Star center will miss next season with a hairline fracture in his left foot. The NBA agreed that Yao's return is unlikely, freeing up about $5.7 million that the Rockets used to sign free agent Trevor Ariza from the Lakers. General manager Daryl Morey says the league's approval does not rule out Yao's return this season. Yao is still consulting with doctors and deciding on treatment."
It could just be irresponsible journalism, but if it was in fact "a few weeks", that puts it before the draft. That would make it surprising to me that we didn't go for a big with 1 of our 3 purchased picks.
They knew "a few weeks ago" that Yao's injury wasn't better and that he may be kept out for the season (for strengthening reasons) but didn't see the talent they wanted in the draft at a good price. That's why he WENT to Gortat's house at midnight hoping that the level of interest he showed to the big man would urge him to commit right away. Too bad it didn't work.
So the wonder kid Morey's bizarre moves were made in anticipation of Yao's not playing next season. I think those were the right moves comparing with other options.
Interesting...so they've known before teh draft that Yao would not be available next season -- that explains why Morey was after Rubio.
So is there any penalty for just filing the application? Also what restricts or restricted us from doing the same with Tmac?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4314726 ESPN's version of the same story. Just if anyone is interested...
From Strawman's link above: [rquoter]The Rockets are also awaiting the return of Tracy McGrady, who underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee in February and could be out until the middle of next season. Morey said he could have applied the disabled player exception to McGrady, but thought the league would be more willing to grant the request in Yao's case. "We chose the one we thought had the best likelihood of succeeding," Morey said.[/rquoter]
I wonder when they add up team revenue if they count the money covered by insurance to cover the salaries of Yao and Tracy. Les is actually in a great place financially since the team is so profitable and he is off the hook for these huge max paychecks.
"Morey said he is pursuing another free agent, and hoped to announce another signing "in the next week or two." But he said the Rockets would mostly likely acquire a center to replace Yao through a trade this summer." WAITING FOR THE NEXT SPLASH!!!!
