Bucks Not the Boss of Yi
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The Milwaukee Bucks' worst nightmare has come true: it appears that their first draft pick, Yi Jianlian, will not sign with the team.
The Chinese national team is throwing its weight around, sort of like the mom who tells her kids they can use her as an excuse. Yi doesn't want to play in Milwaukee, and they are lending legitimacy to his cause.
I'd hardly classify myself as an expert on matters of the NBA draft, particularly as they relate to drafting players from overseas, but a couple of things about this story stick out liking blaring sirens and flashing lights.
First of all, Yi let it be known before the draft that he wanted to play in a city with a heavy Asian influence. Sorry, but Milwaukee hardly qualifies.
Call me crazy, but it would seem that the Bucks would want to hammer out a few details, such as Yi's willingness to sign with the team, before burning a #6 pick. I know there's a bit of a language barrier to deal with, but when it comes to a lottery pick, you've got to communicate with sign language, if that's what it takes.
Second, this story solidifies the uncomfortable notion that the United States may be losing its stronghold as center of the basketball universe. Ten, fifteen years ago, a player like Yi would have killed to play anywhere in the U.S., just to get the opportunity to make a name for himself.
These days, though, Yi holds the upper hand and appears content to wait this thing out. Who knows, maybe he'll reappear in next year's draft.
Milwaukee brass have to be banging their collective heads against the wall at this point. Unfortunately, they have no one to blame but themselves.
This article is also posted All on the Field sports blog.
