Warriors want Yao Ming
( 2003-08-20 17:40) (NBA)
In what has to be one of the more bizarre stories of the summer, Golden State
Warriors president Robert Rowell has announced plans to pursue the Rockets' Yao
Ming.
 If you're a Houston fan you have to laugh until you cry at
this "news." If you're a Warriors fan, you may find tears running down your
face. Tears of embarrassment. Warriors president Robert Rowell announced on
Tuesday that he has intentions of pursuing Houston's Yao Ming. Not via trade,
mind you, but through free agency . . .in 2006. When Yao Ming becomes a
restricted free agent the Warriors seem to be intent on making sure the Rockets
pay him the max . . .as if they wouldn't anyway.
Obviously the Warriors would like to cash in on what would be a huge Chinese
fan base if Yao Ming were to go to Oakland to play. What, though, would Yao
Ming's motivation be? The Rockets have already built the team around him and
newly-hired coach Jeff Van Gundy will certainly make sure he is the center of
their offense this season. They'll let Steve Francis go before they let Yao Ming
slip through their fingers, and they will do whatever they have to do to make
sure they are not out-bid on his services. The Rockets are very careful in
dealing with their big name free agents. Yao Ming will sign a new maximum deal
before the sun has set on his free agency period.
Admittedly, I don't pay a whole lot of attention to the Warriors. Gilbert
Arenas had a decent season, but is clearly not worth the maximum deal he
demanded from the Warriors. Their move to send Antawn Jamison and Danny Fortson
to Dallas for Nick Van Exel and some scrubs doesn't make a lot of sense (sorry,
Nick). Van Exel might lead the league in scoring next season, but the Warriors
will not have a prayer of making the playoffs. They might have a shot at the
league's worst record. Clearly they are not setting a precedent that would make
Yao Ming even marginally interested in joining their lottery legacy.
Memo to Robert Rowell: Yao Ming is not going to be available in 2006. You
might try focusing on the sinking ship that is currently passing for your
basketball team. At this rate, YOU might not be in Oakland in 2006, either.
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