http://www.backchina.com/news/2005-04-13/53548.html Link to a story indicating Shanghai Shark officials are agreeable for Yao to train in the US and think its the best thing for him. CBA officials want Yao to come back to practice with the CNT team to prepare for the Asia games, supposedly the local team has more influence, similar to here if a Rocket player was to play in the Olympics. The guy that translated this for me said he saw another article that the CBA agreed to allow Yao to miss the May 3-27 training camp, no big deal if the Rox go deep in the playoffs. His (my translator) opinion was Yao would get several months in the states to train and get his surgery but would have to play in the Asia games because they need him to counter the big man that plays for Korea.
They still have Menk Bateer right? Bateer was no stud in the NBA but I guess he is still good enough to own the other big men in Asia. I can be wrong though.
why doesnt the ROX just buy off that CBA agreement? that way, Yao will only have to worry about Rox and Olympics
According to this news, Bateer was not signed by the new China National team. This team is primarily trained for 2008 Olympics, but there are already three guys on the Center position, Yao, and other two.
Bateer is perceived as past his prime and obviously not the center you want playing in the games if Yao is available. Im told the Rox deal is with the Sharks not the CBA. This makes sense, same as the NBA org structure, players sign with teams not the governing body. So it makes sense to me, if the counter party that you have the deal with says its OK to train in the US, its OK to train in the US. Yao will definitely have to return for the Asia games, thats for pride and country, but that leaves him late May through August in the states. Keeping my fingers crossed.
On his elbow tendon... Its a bit more complicated for Yao. If he refused to go back he would be viewed as a defector and it would be shameful to his family. And it is not in his nature to do this type of thing from what I can see....
Bateer was cut from the national team...but I seriously doubt that the Korean kid will be able to be much of a factor even without Yao. China has their own big kid (a younger, possibly better version of Bateer, who should at least hold his own against the Ha dude. This seems like good news...if the Chinese officials agree its in the best interest of Yao to rest and train here in the states then I would think they would figure out a way to get it done...regardless of who owns the "rights" to Yao.
Ok, that is HA playing in Portland. They want to have train for whole summber there to prepare for Ha. Hahahaha
Sounds like good news. Yao does everything in a very professional way, is loyal to his country, family, friends and fans. Which means, most likely, he will be able to work something out in which he will get more time to train locally, but will still haver to participate in China games, etc. Also, let's not forget, Yao probably really likes his home in Shanghai. It is where he is from.
Believe or not, Ha is the 2nd best center in Asia. Otherwise he wouldnt be playing NBA. Of course, Yao is Shaq in Asia. So Ha is Yao in Aisa.
I wonder why the Rockets don't offer use of their own training facilities to the Chinese national team over the summer. Not only would Yao and the rest of their players have access to state of the art training equipment and trainers, but it would also be an opportunity to train away from the distractions of home and the Chinese paparazzi. Plus hey, free trip to the the hottest place in the world during the month of August! It's a win-win situation: Yao gets the benefit of having his offseason development supervised by the Rockets, and the CNT gets the benefit of grueling JVG-style workouts and drills.
