Yi a No-Go?
So according to a Reuters report out of Beijing, the chief of the Guangdong Tigers is quoted as saying Yi Jianlian would “definitely not” play for the Bucks this season, citing the fact that Yi probably wouldn’t get enough playing time to further his development. This is all sorts of rotten news for the Bucks, because unlike Yi’s agents - who didn’t really have much leverage over what the Bucks did, my understanding is that his team back in China does have the ability to withhold Yi from the Bucks. Now I could be mistaken about that, but logic would seem to dictate that if his team in China’s saying they won’t let him play for the Bucks, then I don’t expect we’ll see Yi here in Milwaukee any time soon. Now I know there’s been rumblings that NBA Commissioner David Stern has been working behind the scenes to resolve this situation, but ultimately (and unfortunately) I believe Yi’s rights will end up being traded to a team more acceptable to him and his handlers. I think it’s a real shame, because I think Yi would have liked Milwaukee and would have fit in well with the kind of team the Bucks are building.
But all’s not lost for the Bucks, because it looks like they’re on the verge of signing free agent forward Desmond Mason, a former Buck who was absolutely a fan favorite during his two and a half years here. Mason’s a lunchpail kind of player, and I’m sure he’ll grow to be a favorite of head coach Larry Krystkowiak.