http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5437190 Associated Press NEW YORK -- The Houston Rockets will play two preseason games in China against the New Jersey Nets, giving Yao Ming a chance to return to his home country. The NBA announced Wednesday that the teams would play Oct. 13 in Beijing at the Wukesong Arena, site of the 2008 Olympic basketball competitions, then Oct. 16 at the new Guangzhou International Sports Arena. This will be the NBA's fifth set of preseason games in China and the second involving the Rockets, who drafted Yao with the No. 1 overall pick in 2002. They took part in the inaugural China games in 2004. Yao missed last season with a foot injury but is expected to be ready in time for the season. The Nets recently traded China's other top big man, Yi Jianlian, to Washington.
I thought for sure this was posted, maybe I'm just going crazy. What do you guys think the chances are that Yao will even play in these games?
First there were talks of Yao playing 2 months in to the regular season... now there is a game in China (supposed to be Yi vs Yao but Yi got traded) in the PRESEASON.. Yao kinda has to play since its China but what about the two month thing.. I hope it's not rushing him.
For reals, with all the time the NBA made the Rockets wait if they are going to play in China they could of just switched it to the Wizards.
Why can't they switch to the game against Wizards?? Are the people who created the schedules a bunch of robots?
i really think it would be good for yao to rest throughout the preaseason but since its china he has to play.
Yao can "sustain a minor injury" enough to keep him out of preseason, but not not injured enough to miss the season opener.
You'd think they would have the Rockets face off against Washington. 1. The Yao and Yi factor would fit so much more in China 2. What better way to introduce John Wall to an international audience? This might get people to buy Wall's jersey too, if he does well. ... 4. PROFIT!
I'm sure changing the schedule around is not as easy as it would appear. For one thing, I'm sure the team owner's have to agree with this, and the Wiz owner may not. And I could care less if Yao plays, except as an indication that he'll play in the real games. Overall though, wish the Rox weren't going. Traveling to China is not really a good way to get the team ready for opening day.
