I'm starting to get cold feet about Yao Ming. As a player, I like him for the Rockets but I worry about the issues that may/will come up with the Chinese politically. Is it really possible that they could <b>prevent</b> Ming from visiting with the Rocket brass who trek to China? That makes Ming a virtual prisoner-- no visitation! For a moment, let's turn our attention elsewhere. Let's pick Nick T with the #1 and limp through with Rice/Langhi/TMo/ for another year. Or switch picks with Memphis (plus receive Battier or a release of next year's First Round pick). Maybe pile on some other considerations running both ways. I think we could probably still get Nick T at that spot. On the other hand, maybe we should just pick Ming and retain his rights if things go south with the Chinese for this season. It worked for Boston and Larry Bird and San Antonio and David Robinson. At least we keep other teams from getting him.
