Ming is not expected to meet with Rockets in Shanghai?

Looks like it is not that China prohibits them from meeting Yao, it is because Yao isn't at Shanghai. Then GO TO Beijing, too!!

 

Maybe its just me ...but I would tend to think that if my potential bosses were flying half way around the world to see how they can figure out a way for me to not only live my dream , but pay me millions to do so, I would do my best to try to at least meet them...maybe say hello, etc.

I'm not a Yao-basher so this isn't an anti-Yao post, but one has to wonder why Yao isn't planning on meeting with RT, Cd and co. Is is because the gov't won't let him? Do they not want anyone talking directly with Ming until all of the detail$$$ are worked out with the CBA, chinese gov't etc?

Something is very sushi...err uhh... fishy here.

 

I totally agree with you Will, but remember that, while I'm in no way an expert of Chinese society, their culture seems to place an emphasis on protocol and procedure.

In other words, "...in order to talk to the child, you must first talk to the parents", i.e. before you talk to Yao, you must first talk to his handlers, etc.

We should just relax. Even if their trip goes well, this is probably the first of several trips they make to China. Next time, who knows, an asst. coach and a trainer may go with them, maybe they'll get a chance to work him out then.

 

We don't know the complete itinerary. Perhaps CD/RT are still working out a meeting time and place with Yao.

If the Chinese (I do say "if") don't allow a meeting, then the boys might come back, willing to take trade offers. We shall see.

 

you persist.

Let's hypothesize that Rudy and Carroll and Les have paid attention to the demands of the Chinese government that Ming be available to play with his national team. Carroll's quotes make this a likely proposition... considering he has made comments directly on this point.

Now let's hypothesize as to the more likely scenario:
1) Carroll has agreed that Yao should be available for the Chinese national team (thus fulfilling his obligations) as long as the Rockets can have him for the regular season and playoffs. Carroll will now ask the Chinese to have Yao ignore his Chinese obligations to meet them. Hmmmm... for some reason I'm dubious that this will be the approach.

-or-

2) Carroll has agreed that Yao should be available for the Chinese national team (thus fullfilling his obligations) as long as the Rockets can have him for the regular season and playoffs. The Rockets will now have a conversation with Yao's handlers in which they abide by protocol.

It's their daughter. What do you do? Run up, grab her off of the porch... or talk to the old man? A little conversation, particularly about that $.05 raise you're getting this summer from Blockbuster will go a long way... Have the conversation. Look him in the eye. Say yes sir, that sort of stuff. Hell, you might like him. Hell, he might buy you guys a house later on down the road.

 

The money Houston would make by taking Ming would be unreal- (think how the Cowboys have become the NFL team of Mexico- the Rockets would be NBA team of China-$) We are trying to do whatever possible to make this happen smoothly - however, the Chinese have a completely different way of doing business-which will be a problem for the Rockets year after year. We should take the best player in the draft and the player we really want- " the Rockets shock the NBA by taking C. Butler with the #1 pick."

 

Dude, you worry too much. Do you like spend your entire day thinking of every single possible way Ming could end up leaving the Rockets, no matter how miniscule the chances are?

 

davethej, is that from a real game? That's pretty funny if it is.

 

totally agree. after 4 years, after ming became a star in this league, china can just say screw rockets we want ming in NY and we can't do a single thing about it! this just stinks! i rahter take bulter at num1. NO TO MING!