Adrian wojnarowsky's column says Yao must learn to say "NO" to China?

Question

with his body breaking down due to stress regimen for playing both the national team and NBA, is it fair to suggest Yao that he should go slow on his national team?

Answer 1

Lets play pretend and say that China will ever have a chance at winning a medal in the Olympics with Yao Ming as their only capable player.

In reality China's basketball team is god awful and the Chinese government is exploiting Yao Ming as some oddity for all of the people to see.Yao Ming has a career and if you think its ok for someone to just give up on his profession because he's made enough money already you're a moron.Oh he has enough money and that must be the only thing he plays in the NBA for right?He's the best center in the NBA and he's playing for a championship contending team.Could it be he wants to succeed and win a championship?No he must be doing it for the money.

Answer 2

First off, I've read his columns before and he's a tabloid sprts writer.  He makes up controversey where it doesn't exist.  Yes, Yao's injuries are an issue, yes he will have to slow down.  However, consider that at the end of this contract, he will have made about $100 million dollars.  That doesn't account for all his endorsements in the states and overseas or any other investments.  Why should he care about his NBA futute when he can become a legend in his country and still be crazy wealthy? Plus, didn't the Rockets demand that china take out insurance on him? I know the Mavs and Jazz did for Dirk and Andre.  

We talk a lot of smack about guys that don't play for the olympic team, but when foreign guys choose to all of a sudden it's wrong.  I don't get it.  

Answer 3

I dont think anyone should be telling Yao what to do.  If he wants to go out every game and play his heart out and even if it affects him next year for the Rockets, then theres nothing we can do about it.

Maybe these Olympics games are more important to him than the NBA finals.  Cant take that away from him.  It only happens once every four years.

Answer 4

This is stupid...

I don't think you people understand how much Yao LOVES his Country...

This is like asking Bush to stop beinga dumb President. It's just not going to happen.

Answer 5

Yao is the kind of athlete who, given his physical stature he will not play beyond the age of 35. He maybe nearing the tail end of his physical prime and I don't think its solely because he chooses to play for China. He probably would never be able to play a full 82 game schedule even if he made the NBA the only focus as far as playing basketball, because by nature he probably is uncomfortable with traveling and staying in hotel rooms that are not customized to his full tastes.

Answer 6

could it be that the NBA paid him to write that column?

when Yao put his fist up in the air, man- that IS a moment to behold.

he is a committed sports man and he is committed to China. if the NBA wants him to take it easy, then he might join Lebron in the Europian League and who know who'll have the LAST LAUGH