I know it's only indirectly Rocket related but here it is anyway. http://c1.zedo.com//ads2/f/8977/3853/172/0/152005724/152005724/0/152/28/zz-trip_pop1.htm Wang practicing in L.A. for now, but will return to China FORT WORTH, Texas -- Speculation that Wang Zhizhi might defect to the United States is just that -- speculation, said the Dallas Mavericks backup center, who did not return China after the NBA season ended. "I'm not defecting, and I don't plan to defect," Wang told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in Monday's editions. "My main goal is to get better so I can help China to achieve the highest standing in the World Championships. In a telephone interview from Los Angeles, Wang told the newspaper that he ignored the demands because he simply wanted to stay in America and improve his game against better competition. "They wanted me to come back, but it was important for me to stay here to improve my basketball skills," Wang said through interpreter Simon Chan, who also works as his adviser. Wang said CBA officials were not upset with his decision to stay in America this summer. He said he did not see a need to contact the Mavericks about his whereabouts because he has "a whole bunch of coaches" taking him through two-a-day workouts in Los Angeles. "I plan on being in touch with Dallas real soon," Wang said. "I'm doing very well here, and what I'm working on now is what the coaches what me to work on, and that's rebounding and playing defense." Wang plans to join other members of the Chinese national team when they come to America in late August to prepare for the World Championships, which will be Aug. 29-Sept. 8 in Indianapolis. He also said he would be surprised if he doesn't receive a warm reception from his Chinese coaches and teammates. Wang said he knows when he eventually goes home, the CBA will permit him to come back and play in the NBA. "I still have some things I need to discuss with the CBA, but most likely I'll return to China before the NBA season starts." Last week, the Mavericks made a qualifying offer of $737,000 to Wang, who is a restricted free agent. Under NBA rules, that means the Mavericks have 15 days to match any offer Wang receives up to the midlevel exception of $4.5 million. A 1999 second-round draft pick by the Mavericks, Wang hopes to re-sign with Dallas. "It really depends on the situation with the other teams, and on the money," he said. "Talk to Mavs owner Mark Cuban." Disregard: Sorry didn't see the other post
