Anyone else who doesn't think it would be the end of the world if Yao left? I mean he's completed 7 seasons and only gotten out of the first round 1 time.
Yao saying it is 'unknown' or basically not saying flat-out no to Cleveland is really good for us. It will force Les and Morey to be agressive/willing to spend this offseason if they want to be sure that Yao "cashcow" Ming stays.
lol-- ive been to cleveland, and that video was shot when one of the main roads were closed with grey weather, it's no where near as bad as the video and you could make houston look just as bad using the techniques the guy did. cleveland is a pretty decent city, and lebron grew up in the area..
If not stealing Gasol, the GREAT KOBE with GREAT JACKSON would still try to get out of the first round.
Cavs' New Owners Interested In Signing Yao? Jun 19, 2009 7:17 AM EST There is speculation that Cleveland's new Chinese part owners want to bring Yao Ming to the Cavaliers. Yao called a possible move to Cleveland an "unknown." "I've already been with Houston for such a long time, I still have much affection for this team," Yao said in a translated interview. "Moreover, this past season we were very successful, and that let me see some hope. "Regardless of whether its a Chinese boss, or a foreign boss, they're both bosses and a boss is just a boss." Cleveland has not publicly expressed interest in Yao, but the change in ownership has started rumors. link
If yao gets a chance to play with LBJ he is gone for sure. and it will mean rings for both. but hey, that's cool. we can still be happy to lose to the world champions in the second round
I'm not sure if you're aware of it but the guy who made that video is from Cleveland. He was poking fun at his own city, sort of like how some comedians use self-deprecating humor to make fun of themselves. While the exagerrations were mostly for comedic effect, Cleveland has had loads of trouble over the past several decades. In the late 70s, they became the first city to enter default since the Great Depression and the national media blasted them for it, even going as far as calling them, "The Mistake on the Lake." This more than anything else probably started the inferiority complex you see in a lot of Clevelanders like this guy. They still have major problems with poverty, pollution, their economy, their public school system, young professionals leaving the city for better jobs, etc... not to even mention that the Indians, Browns and Cavs haven't won squat in several decades. And the burning river portion of that clip was based on a true story. Industrial waste floating on the top of the Cuyahoga River actually once caught on fire.
Since most people want yao gone, I hope yao doesn't re-sign with the rockets just out of loyalty and instead tests free agency. Yao should head east, as it's much easier to go deep in the playoffs in the ru paul conference of the league.
I do not think most people want Yao gone but it seems He is the most intriguing piece the Rockets can offer to land a marquee player. To compound the scenario, is His often injuries.
As of last season, the East actually has more depth 1 through 15 while the West still has the better 1 through 9. I wouldn't be surprised if the East is suddenly as good or better than the West in a couple of years as aging teams like the Spurs, Suns, Mavs and possibly even Rockets take a step backwards. The Hornets, another top team, seem to be in trouble as well. I'm not saying a reversal will happen, just that the East is getting better while the West could be in decline.
Assuming the Cavs keep Lebron and trade for Yao (I am 100% sure they will not give Lebron for Yao), what's next? Trade Wally for Tmac? Great.
Why not get Landry and Brooks for scraps. Yes, I do not think it is probable that Lebron and Yao play together unless the Rockets are doing the CAVS a favor TO Win A CHAMPIONSHIP.
You just made the argument that the east is a lot weaker. The talent is more spread out and the teams are more even. There are very few strong teams in the east, while the west has a lot of them. The magic would have been bounced in the 2nd round if they were in the west and met the lakers, but since they're in the east, they made it to the finals. I believe a lot of west teams would have knocked out the magic, including the rockets, nuggets and blazers.
Here's the official AP story from Yahoo News: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090619/ap_on_sp_bk_ne/bkn_yao_ming_cavaliers And the Cleveland Leader: http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/10359 And the China Daily: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2009-06/19/content_8301209.htm
I got family in cleveland, I know that bro. the burning river thing happened in the late 40s due to a bad oil spill(its not the first time it happened in history). the problems you listed exist for almost every U.S city not named new york. everyone knows "everyone" lives in the suburbs of any american city anyway. I've been there plenty of times and it's a decent place, considering lebron grew up in the area, hes got no problem with it.
Yeah, I think "cnn" is quite trust worthy too when it comes to reporting on China. You know how "unbiased" they are.
