Yao or Not

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

May 2002

It's amazing how quickly the Houston Rockets offseason transformed from an expected ho-hum summer to non-stop interest. Clearly, winning the number 1 pick in the NBA Draft has that effect on teams. Especially when the number one selection in the Draft is expected to be a 7-foot, five inch basketball player from China. Yes, China. Yao Ming, "Come on down! You're the number one choice of the Houston Rockets! Welcome to the NBA and welcome to the city of Houston!" Of course, Yao becoming a Rocket is yet to be decided; and, I for one don't believe the Rockets should choose Yao.

From all indications, Yao is a very talented basketball player. He can shoot with range; run the floor well for a "person of his size" (What does that actually mean? Who knows how a 7'5" person is supposed to run?) Yao has good lower body strength; and, the fact he weighs 296 pounds is viewed as very positive because Yao won't be a "stick" coming into the league. However, Yao is not expected to have an immediate impact on the league or his new team in his rookie season; so, why would the Rockets want to draft a player who will simply prolong their time out of the NBA Playoffs for a fourth consecutive season? The Rockets basketball people have to answer that question.

In addition to that dilemma, Rockets' management also has other problems to consider in deciding whether or not to select Yao with the top pick: whichever team selects Yao, probably won't have him to participate with its summer-league team in July or in training camp in early October. Yao has a commitment to the Chinese National Team for the World Championships in Indianapolis during late August and early September, and is supposed to be with the Chinese practicing in July during the summer leagues. He is also obligated to play for the Chinese in the Asian Games in late September. The Chinese could reserve the right to call Yao back if need be at any time during the season, although that would seem unlikely.

Yao's contract is more of a concern for him than the team that selects him. Yao is a product of the Chinese government of sport and 50 percent of his salary would go to the governing body and his club team the Shanghai Sharks. The remaining 50 percent would be divided among Yao and those who helped him get to this point.

Drafting Yao would definitely increase ticket sales for the Rockets' home games as well as make the Houston Rockets a team of global interest. Media credentials from throughout the world will be requested to see Yao play. While the team may not be playoff bound in 2002 - 2003, interest in the team would be sky high. If the Rockets' management truly believes adding Yao to the mix along with good team health (for a change) means a playoff berth next season, then, the team's decision is an easy one. However, I don't believe Yao will have an immediate pact on the court for at least two years because he will be entering completely "uncharted waters" in the NBA which will require him to become a more physical ball player. I don't doubt Yao will be a good NBA player; but, it's unfortunate for Rockets' fans this isn't 2003 because Houston's owning the top pick in the 2003 Draft would mean one thing: high school kid LeBron James would be a Rocket. End of discussion. Case closed.