Milwaukee Bucks Chasing Yi To China

　　During the game between the New York Knicks and Team China, held on the 11th July in Cox Pavilion, most officials of NBA teams left in the first half in a hurry due to the doubtless result. However, Dave Babcock, the director of player personnel of the Milwaukee Bucks was sitting still on the scout seats fixing his eyes on the game – he was there only for Yi Jianlian, the sixth overall pick in the draft. It was reported that Bucks leadership intended to hold a cocktail party for the ‘sixth pick’, which means that they had to impel Yi to join Bucks as soon as possible. To attain it, Dave indicated that the leadership was going to visit China and follow the Chinese national teams to Europe.

　　To give Yi a great welcome, plenty of Bucks’ staffs have learned some Chinese greetings, including Babcock. Although neither standard nor fluent, his ‘Ni Hao’ (the Chinese greeting, which means ‘How are you’) suggested his sincerity. ‘I have seen his play in person for more than 20 times. And four years ago, I even went to Guangzhou since my mission is to be completely acquaint with the competence and potential of every player of us team,’ he said. Knowing that Yi’s parents used to be handball players, Babcock also expressed that he would call him ‘A-Lian’ like many Chinese fans did. ‘To tell the truth, my personal opinion determined that we select Yi,’ said him, ‘I’m not the one who faxed, but I am the one who makes the final decision.’

　　Nevertheless, it is Buck’s deep consideration on Yi that finally brought the two bogged in the awkward situation. Yet, since Larry Harris, Bucks general manager, had his first meeting with the ‘sixth-pick’ last week in Las Vegas, things seemed to ease up. The Milwaukee Bucks now are confident on the deal, and their next approach is to get closer to the Chinese young man. According to Dave Babcock, “We wish to visit China after a couple of weeks, but no specific detail is fixed on up to now. My plan is go to Beijing at first with my boss, and then to Guangzhou and Macao for the Stankovic game. ”

　　The Stankovic Continental Champions Cup is going to be held in both cities of Guangzhou and Macao two weeks later. It seems that the Milwaukee Bucks is going to seize this opportunity to further communicate with China's Basketball Association, Guangdong Hongyuan team and Yi Jlianlian. Even if some obstacles occurs then, it still will offer Bucks a great chance to get acquainted with the ‘sixth-pick’ by experiencing his local popularity.

　　Besides, Babcock implied that they would like to dispatch somebody to follow the China Team to Europe. ‘I don ’t think there is a divergence between Yi and the team,’ said him, ‘I’m sure that he will join the Milwaukee Bucks next season. Now we are here just for more acquaintance by watching.’

　　Yet, Babcock denied the pursuit in terms of commercial factors, by saying ‘I always suggest the team to give priorities to the best player not the most profitable.’ And he added that despite of the unsatisfying performs in the NBA Summer League, Babcock was confidant that Yi would get better in the future as long as he joined Bucks. Actually, he admitted that there would be a transition period after Yi Jianlian joined NBA, particularly under more pressures than other new players. ‘Do you think that Kevin Durant or Greg Oden did well in the Summer League?’ said Babcock, ‘I don’t think that we should exact the new stars to act as if they are experienced, especially for Yi. He has to apply himself to the different custom and cultures. We will give him at least one year to get over. In this way, if he does not play himself next season, he won’t be criticized. ’