The Financial Aspects of Drafting Ming...

There was a lot of press about the Knicks trying to get Ming, with regards to public relations, and it made some sense, but not from an attendance point of view, as they're doing fine...The repercussions in terms of marketing and television would be huge, however, and this brings me to the Rockets...

Which team, despite having a telented young nucleas, and relative success until this year, is struggling to sell tickets, and recieving little if any national television coverage, who are looking to open a new facility soon? Right..the Rox... Getting Ming would immediately add the most populous nation in the world as a source of marketing, cause a huge jump in national television and media interest, and add enormously to the Rockets' somewhat pathetic ticket sales. This is the kind of business decision that, when coupled with it's inherent basketball impact, I just can't see the Rockets passing up. I firmly believe that, if the Rockets like him, taking a chance on a possible franchise center is the best use of our stroke of luck, and when you add the money/attention that this will generate, seems like a no-brainer to me.

Another factor is, this is the kind of guy other prime-time players will want to play with...Gets lots of publicity for the team, while not necessarily hogging the ball or the limelight. Helps CYA on defense, allowing you to gamble a lot for $teals, which look good on your stat sheet. And, what is more, IF this guy is for real, at least gives the illusion of being able to overcome the Shaq factor, which so many teams/players are intimidated by. I'm not saying that he CAN beat Shaq, or even neutralize him, but the fact that he brings something to the table which COULD would be enough to relieve some doubts in teammates minds...especially as he'll get better as Shaq declines.

All in all, there are so many secondary reasons to draft Ming that I don't even see this as a question, IF the Rockets, who have seen the guy, think he's the real deal.