Is it possible, without any kind of punishment or penalty, for Yao to not even show up to play for the Rockets, and just go back to China? What if this did happen, would we get some kind of reparation for losing our "hard-earned" #1 draft pick?? Just a thought...?
i thought about that so many times, but china, and houston has done to much advertising to do that. Maybe he will reject us and sign with the knicks....can he do that. A hold-out like in football?
I don't think HE would, but China may make him. But if I remember correctly, Houston made sure that he would be available during the season, and China agreed to this. I would think there would be some thing that they would have to pay. There are also the draft rights to the player. I don't know the specifics, but Houston would be the only NBA team he could play for, no matter how many years he waited. I think this is true anyway, like with Sabonis and Robinson. BTW, I'm not expert on this. But I wouldn't worry about this. I read if Yao doesn't get to play, China's officials would be in trouble with the people.
Ugh. Come on guys. It can't happen. Too much time, money, and sweat invested in getting Yao to Houston. Today's Chronicle article did point out that Yao's not really officially cleared to play for the Rockets, I don't know that whole story, but the Chinese and their worries about saving face...the timing to release Yao while Wang ZhiZhi's giving China the finger isn't too good. But Yao is ours, make no mistake, BU-WA-HA-HA-HA! (evil laugh)
Only if yao was hit by a plane and injured his brain, he might not play for Rockets. Otherwise, nothing can stop him to be a Rockets. So what's your thoughts when Yao cannot get paid by Rockets after his first couple months' play? How about to hire Yao to just wave a USA flag chanting " I hate China, I love to defect, I love freedom of USA" . So who will punish Rockets for turning Yao a political tool?
If China does that, then they can forget about any Chinese talent coming to the NBA in the future. Yao (so far) is their best shot to get world-wide recognition in the sport of basketball. It benefits China just as much as it benefits the NBA for him to come play here. If they back out now, then NBA coaches would realize it is waaaaay too much of a headache to scout in China. It would be disasterous for the Chinese if they back out now. I was actually worried about this awhile back, but I have put my concerns to rest. With Wang Zhi Zhi, and the problems they have faced with his situation, it would be very embarrassing and dishonorable for them to back out now regarding Ming. They stand to make too much money by Yao playing. Yao will be a Rocket. He will dominate. It's only a matter of time!!!
