http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4202661 Looks like a Chinese group will be part owners of the Cavs. It likely won't happen but that group could make a push to get Yao to the Cavs and pair Yao and LeBron together. It will be very interesting to see how much this changes things if any. Do the Cavs now become China's team? Do they start going for more foreign players or make sure they get the next Chinese star?
I heard Robert Johnson and Michael Jordan, two black gusy, own the Charlotte Bobcats and, as such, may be looking to steal Ron Artest, arguably the best black star player on the Rockets, from Les Alexander. I think we should worry about Ron Artest first because he's a free agent.
I heard there were 2% more white fans at Rockets games this year than last year. Expect Steve Nash to be a Rocket very soon.
i dont think there's reason to be sarcastic with the OP, it's different. I can understand the connection given what happened with Yi, if the investors have some pull, they could have some influence in Yao's decision, perhaps not enough to force him to sign with cleveland, but it's still something to think about.
Yes! They are Chinese investors! Since Yao is the most popular Chinese player in the NBA, it is certain he's heading over there! Us Asians stick together!!!!
This is good for both teams and Yao. Rockets can finally get rid of this injury-prone guy who worths only 9M/year but is being paid MAX. Cavs can get a good post player paired with LBJ for their championship. Fronting is not going to be a problem for Yao because LBJ will let them pay. Hope Yao will opt out his contract next year. He should realize that it is his injury that kept letting the Rockets down every year, and without hime Rockets is a better team. Rockets don't need to worry about their center position. A lot of big and healthy guys on the market can average 20/10 or 15/8 but make less than Yao.
All joking aside, this is pure and wild speculation. China is the world's largest economy and are making business deals all over the place. The NBA is a growing industry too. There was no mention on that article of Yao Ming, and for good reason. He is already a super-duper star in China. Moving him to Cleveland would not increase his popularity all of a sudden, and whats more, the other Rockets besides Yao are quite popular in China. Moving Yao from the Rockets does not seem like a smart move (The chances for them to have Yao and James are slim to none). From the sound of the article these business men are simply trying to capitalize on the fastest growing and most exciting star in the league (LBJ), and nothing more.
