Normally, Chinese NT trains a few months before each important tournament. This time it won’t be the case since it’s only an Asian tournament, and its schedule conflicts with CBA season schedule. I heard the training will start in middle June, so Yao will have more than a month to rest before pick up the bball again. BTW, I think Yao prefers to join the NT than staying here for the Summer.
It was my understanding that Yao Ming would only play in the olympics and world basketball championships when he signed his contract so he could stay over here and perticipate in the Rockets off-season programs every other year.
Am I the only person that thinks that Yao SHOULDN'T defect? He is Chinese. You'd have to imagine he has some sentimental attachment to his home country.
He has to play for CNT this summer because they need to win Asian Championship to be qualified for Olympics. That tournament will start on Aug.22nd, and it's a 2 week tournament. SO Yao should be able to come to training camp and may even get some rmuch needed rest.
Probably it is not the case. I think Wang tried to reach a deal like this with Chinese NT and was turned down.
What's good for Yao to defect for Rockets? Without defecting he'd be more likely to stay with Huston longer. Imagine when the rookie contract expires and Chinese goverment demands a lot more for his new team other than Rockets.
