Starbucks, Yao ideas brewing By DANNY O'NEIL SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER Yao Ming had a taste for Seattle before he set foot in the city. He keeps his fridge stocked with Starbucks bottled frappuccinos, which is one reason the 7-foot-5 rookie had high expectations for his first trip to Seattle. Or maybe double-tall expectations would be appropriate, since we're talking about Starbucks. "Actually, I was disappointed," Yao joked via his translator, Colin Pine. "I thought there would be a Starbucks by the bench here." It's possible Yao could be on a Starbucks bench as a spokesman for the product in China. He met with Howard Schultz, chairman of Starbucks and the Sonics, yesterday morning. Starbucks has more than 100 stores in China, and Schultz was in Shanghai last year for the opening of a Starbucks in that city, where Yao played for the Sharks before entering the NBA draft and being chosen No. 1 overall in June. "We've known for quite some time about his loyalty and affection for Starbucks," Schultz said. "And we're intrigued by the opportunity that may exist with Starbucks in China."
chairman of starbucks -and- the sonics? sounds like the league could have fun with tampering charges, it's almost a lock that they'd try to use any sort of "starbucks endorsement" increase as a way to pay yao over and above what the leage would allow after his rockets contract is over.
Here's the line for Yao to say about Starbuck. "It is the #1 pick in my home." with his mom making a face behind him. That would be a nice commercial.
Yes the Sonics were bought by Starbucks from a local media magnate who owned ABC Komo 4, Kube 93, and others...
