Looks like this isn't a hoax, but just a severe misquote (mis-translation?). http://www.sportsonline.com.cn/GB/channel4/882/332/20020521/83219.html ... is the link given on nbadraft.net this morning. The quote basically is that the Shanghai Sharks management thinks it is "bad news" the Rockets came up with the draft. The reason given is NOT that they dislike Houston, or dislike the Rockets franchise... but simply they hadn't heard from the Rockets throughout the process and aren't sure about their interest level. There's a fear that the Houston Rockets will be like the wicked stepmother, potentially ready to abuse their newly adopted Yao Ming. Will the Rockets trade Yao to some center-laden team where he will sit on the bench? Will the Rockets force Yao to sweep up after the team and wash the towels? This is the context of the Sharks fears. Well, it's slightly more self-serving than that... they (will) want a commitment from the Rockets to hold exhibition games, bring in coaches from the Sharks for training here, and hold seminars in Shanghai. These are all the types of conditions they've laid out for the Knicks/Bulls, and as long as Houston is willing to bend as far over as Layden/Krause were, this will not be a problem. I think everyone here knows if Houston drafts Yao, it will be a long-term investment they will be committed to developing... and god knows Rudy T is the right man to do it. As soon as they assure the Shanghai Sharks this is the case, the issue is over. And one final note, Yao Ming has said repeatedly and consistently he doesn't have a say in what team he goes to in the NBA, and he's content with any.
A pity the hook he has is rigid and the curve is a little too low and that results in rejected by rim 50% or 60% of the time. I think he should try Sky Hook. That will improve the curve and become deadly unblockable.
heech, good news. the first person in the bbs at nbadraft.net to respond said the same thing, that it was being misquoted. I like the fact they are "scared." They have to learn that we have rules, too. And we will not sign an equivalent deal that Dallas did for Wang. As for our commitment, I think they're not asking too much, but kinda asking the wrong people. They should be asking the league office. This is why I say the Sharks sound like novices. Stern has already set up a branch office in Shanghai. I think our league wants to play exhibition games there and set up training facilities. I also think that some of our owners will be upset if the Rockets get an exclusive connection to the Sharks. They will probably want it to be more open where the league sends PJ Carlesimo to be the coach and trainer....lol!
