The only really bad news I've heard this morning is the mysterous "source close to Yao and the NBA". But, on the positive side, here's a Chinese article essentially from Shark insiders: http://sports.sina.com.cn/k/2002-06-21/21280890.shtml Quick summary: Today, the Chinese basketball management center officially decided that Yao Ming would not attend the draft ceremonies. After receiving this information, Shanghi Sharks vice-president Li Yaomin said that the Sharks accept/agree with the decision, and that this has absolutely no affect on Yao playing in the NBA. ... more about Yao's plans in the natioanl team, as described in Xinhua's release ... Li Yaomin said: "Regardless of whether Yao Ming goes or not, the selection will go on. " ... Actually, Yao Ming will still have an opportunity to attend the "draft". Shanghai has a plan to setup an on-site broadcast of the draft ceremonies, if they can tempt Yao Ming to return to Shanghai for such a broadcast. Although the draft is not far away, as long as Yao Ming returns to Shanghai for the event, then the hook-up between the two lands is entirely do-able.
Would be kewl If Ming could do the TELEBROADCAST like they do at the award shows. Show him putting on the hat. . . .in a room full of his family and friends Rocket RIver
That is exactly the update I just heard on 610 AM concerning the 10:30 AM press conference conducted at Michael Goldberg's Law office. (Rockets Lead Attorney) Goldberg said that he was told that Ming would put on the cap of the team that selects him by telebroadcast from China.
I mentioned this a day or two ago. Turner is sending over a crew and setting up a broadcast area for Yao. They are also sending over one of their reporters but I forgety which one. I had heard it was going to be in Beijeng though, not Shanghai. Shanghai would make more sense I guess. os
In other news, the Bombay Bandits will hold a broadcast in India for 7'8" 235 lb. prospect Amol Gandhi. Amol has never actually played basetball, but scouts are wowed by his physical skills. Apparently he shows great footwork while herding camels in the Gujrat countryside. Although his skills are raw, you just can't pass on a guy with his rare combination of size, athleticism, and footwork. Mavs asst. coach Donnie Nelson has raved about Gandhi's tremendous work ethic, and his ability to herd 90-95 camels per hour.
That's cool...but think about the missed photo opportunity of Yao towering over Stern on stage in NY.
Please, please, please don't be Chris Sager. Edit: For that matter, don't be Craig Sager either. Who is Chris Sager, anyway? lol
Yao looking down trying to figure out what the hell that is the Stern has on his head. Yao: Hair piece? IT MOVED!!!! Rocket RIver
If Yao and Goldberg can attend the "Shanghai tele- draft" and shake hands,hug,cheer..., it seems not a bad idea. I know why Li Yaomin is in New York. He is doing an electrician's job to send signal back. I hope he bring a long enough wire.
The team that selects him???? Again, why is there any question as to who will draft (end up with) Yao if he is cleared to play????? Am I missing something? This is the 2nd time today I have read something to this extent. Something isn't right.
Rockets may not choose Yao Ming for these possible Reasons: fail agreement on contract RT not satisfied his skills and wants a trade CD hates end;ess negotiation Steve rebells Medical defection Chicago or New York pay to hold Ming for one more year.
NJ Rocket, I know-whachoo-mean. Why not just come out and say, Yao will put on the Rox cap? Could be people hedging their bets; but not once, ever, has anyone---including Goldberg---actually stated that "we feel confident that Yao Ming will be in a Rockets uniform." It's always, "confident that Yao will be allowed to play in the NBA" and "the team that drafts him." Of course it could mean nothing. But if a trade actually went down, it would hafta be announced right away. "We have a trade. With the #1 pick in the draft, the Houston Rockets select Yao Ming and send him to Da Bulls, who select Jay Williams at #2, sending him to Da Clips; the Clips also get so-and-so from Houston, and send Odom, Maggette, and the #8 pick..." I'M NOT SAYING IT'S GONNA HAPPEN. It's not out of the realm of possibility, though.
Exactly ROXT...instead of saying what he said (Goldberg said that he was told that Ming would put on the cap of the team that selects him by telebroadcast from China.), why not say that "Ming will have the opportunity to wear a Rockets hat for all the world to see." It just isnt sitting right with me. <twilight zone music>
Unless the Rockets get the FIBA clearance they will not select Ming.It's upto Ming to make a deal with the Sharks,not the Rockets.If he doesn't want to accept their offer then the Sharks have the right to either accept his terms or reject it. The ball is in Ming's court. If he doesn't get the clearance he will be equally to blame in my opinion. If he does get the clearance and the Chinese don't let the Rockets take him in order to be a member of their team then the Rockets won't be the ones to blame. I would like to see Ming in a Rockets uniform but if it doesn't happen then so be it.
