This may be a lil early to ask, but will Yao be attending all of the preseason camps, workouts, games, etc? fill me in if you can.
Ming will be in the training camp and preseason only if the Chinese National Team head coach Wang Fei allows him to miss the Asian Games early this October. It's quite unlikely, but it's not impossible... because the Mingless China Team (IMO) is good enough to get a gold for them.
IIRC, in the 12 years of the Asian games, China has placed 1st 10 times and 3rd twice (the 2 years Australia won). Perhaps Yao will be available. Not 100% sure of this but I can find the link again if needed.
I remember seeing that, GATER. China has totally dominated the Asian Games. If they let Yao come for preseason, it would make a HUGE difference in his development this year, as we all know. If China wants Yao to make a big impact in the NBA for "The Glory of China", they will let him. It's in their interest.
Ming will be available for the majority of preseason, but will probably miss camp. == World Championships (Indianapolis): August 29 - Sept 2 Asian Games: (Pusan, Korea) September 28 - October 14 == "Training Camp" in San Antonio 2001 ran October 2 - October 9. Preseason 2001 ran October 10 - October 26. It seems reasonable the 2002 schedule would follow suit. == Should the Chinese national team decides it can win the Asian games without Ming (and he agrees), it probably would be a lot simpler for him to stay in the states post-Indianapolis. However, the Rox seem to be assuming Ming will participate in the Asian games, as Goldberg was quoted as saying if they pick him, he would miss "about a week" with the Rockets for his commitment to China.
Chinese team is not dominating now. Without Yao and Wang, China may fall out of top 3. I think even with Yao Ming, the games will be very close. China doesn't have a good point guard. I don't think Yao Ming will attend anything except the regular NBA season.
Rockets do not provide playoff job in next 2 or 3 years........ But things are changing. If Ming really get good training, improve a lot, I think everyone will agree with he spending his summer in USA.
It is my understanding that the Chinese National team is the only commitment that Ming has. They do not play again until 2004 or 2005. After Ming misses the 1st week or so of training camp, he will be available the rest of the season including the playoffs.
