I think the Rockets strategy in the upcoming season to limit Yao's minutes is two-fold. (1) Prevent another injury (2) Ensure Yao does not command max dollars the following summer. Has a player who's played only 25 mpg ever gotten a max contract or anything close to the max?
and what fool would sign that contract guaranteeing him long-term security when there are so many doubts of his health??
might be good for the team in FA... a free agent will feel like they can test yao out one year and if he cracks, literally, then next year the rockets can still make a change without needing another team's help and not piss off that FA or FAs.
You underestimate Les & Morey. They won't be afraid of having their own superstar. If Yao can have superstar stats next season, it means more national tv games, and more sponsors from China.
so he and his advisors must believe there is a good chance that he comes back and earns a max contract, because he probably wouldn't have earned one if he was a free agent this summer.
If Yao is capable of playing 30-35 minutes (I mean he really can, not like TMac), the Rockets still limit his PT ONLY to screw up his next contract. You think Yao will stay? Then what's the point for the Rockets to do this? I believe Yao's PT will be decided by all parties with good communications and good intentions.
Makes me think that Yao's camp is pretty optimistic about his medical outlook. If they are scared about his health, their strategy should be to get an extension or new contract done right now to guarantee as much total as possible even at the cost of reducing his 2010-2011 salary by a bit. Then again, we are all just reading tea leaves.
It's also on NBA.com as well. http://www.nba.com/2010/news/06/29/yao.return.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2
This is the best possible scenario for the Rockets organization. There is no point in re-signing Yao to a long deal when we're not sure about his foot. Also, if Yao plays well this upcoming season, his new contract will be under the new CBA.
Makes me think the opposite and that he doesn't want to leave money on the table. He would likely get more money by opting out if healthy and re doing under the current cba than the one to come. Hopefully he just being loyal.
Can't wait to see the big guy back on the court! Spoiler Come back strong big fella!! Spoiler <object width="540" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VflCQ2FG0dE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VflCQ2FG0dE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="540" height="360"></embed></object> --RB
I have to disagree on point 2. That would imply that the Rox are looking at the next season as another rebuilding year, and I can't imagine that's really the strategy. We don't have years to throw away like that. Yes, a lower commitment to Yao would be great, but I don't see that risk as wise. Besides, Yao's next contract will likely be determined by his playoff performance, not his regular season play. If he's a non-factor, I don't see him getting max. If he is a factor at all (and isn't injured), then he'll get paid. As far as his minutes, I think we'll stick with 20-25 minutes, with few exceptions. It may seem like he can play more, but the goal is to have him healthy for the playoffs. You can't really predict how much is too much, so better to stay conservative
Great news! I'm happy for yao, since he will have the option to pursue championship as fits in the future. Also it strongly indicates he's recovering better than expected.
I got a chance to talk to Yao several weekends ago at a university reunion at Intercontinental Hotel, and he's not limping whatsoever. He said his foot is a lot better and that he will be at training camp before season starts. He doesn't know how many minutes he can play but he is looking forward to helping us get back into playoff contention. I also asked him if Chris Bosh was coming here, and he said, "dunno, hopefully.." Glad he's making a comeback and hope his future lies with us until he retires!
You'd be surprised, especially given that this particular free agency is going to have so many dumb teams just trying to grab anyone and everyone. Some team that is shut out from Lebron (NY LOL) would probably gamble on it, especially if he took a lesser deal. Any rate, this was the best case scenario for us. Very happy for this. Get to see how Yao's doing, and make a decision based on it rather than having to rely on the uncertainty coming with a longer deal.
