this was just posted on the Rockets homepage of nba.com: http://www.nba.com/rockets/ June 7 - The Rockets have accepted an invitation from Shanghai Sharks officials to meet in China regarding the availability of Yao Ming for the 2002 NBA Draft. Rockets General Counsel Michael Goldberg received an invitation last night from Shanghai Sharks President Bai Li to meet with him and General Manager Li Yaomin. Goldberg is the lead negotiator for the Rockets and has the authority to act on behalf of the Rockets on matters related to Yao Ming. “We have complete confidence in Michael’s ability to complete this negotiation successfully,” said Rockets owner Leslie Alexander. Goldberg will be accompanied by general manager Carroll Dawson, Head Coach Rudy Tomjanovich, and media relations director Nelson Luis on the trip to China.
What's really encouraging is how quick the Sharks were to reverse their stance, it may be a foreshadowing of smooth negotiations. Seems like all the Rockets had to do was adhere to protocol and procedure, i.e. massage some egos and clear the right channels. I'm feeling very optimistic, now.
