Wang article from the Bay area

[David]

Borrowed from Alec at LMF. I tried to copy and paste but it wouldn't work for some reason.

Wang Link

[MavKikiNYC]

Nice article, David. Thanks. Sounds not quite as slam-dunk grim that he's gone from the Mavs.

Here's the text.

Warriors' summer fling
DALLAS' WANG STARS IN SUMMER LEAGUE
By Mark Emmons
Mercury News

LONG BEACH - The usual postgame exchange of handshakes, backslaps and hugs had commenced when Jaren Jackson of the Dallas Mavericks approached Wang Zhizhi.

``I don't like it when you dunk on us like that,'' Jackson said in a playfully scolding voice.

Wang responded with a mischievous grin. It was, in fact, no way for a guy to treat his teammates. Wang's 14 points had helped the Warriors to a 137-112 victory last weekend in a Southern California Summer Pro League game over, yes, his own club -- the Mavericks.

In a decision rooted as much in international politics as it is basketball, Wang is playing for the Warriors this summer. And playing well. In the first five games, the 7-foot-1 forward/center from China demonstrated skills lacking in Golden State's current collection of post players -- namely deft passing and an accurate shooting touch.

``He's going to be a big help for some team,'' Warriors guard Jason Richardson said. ``I've already talked to our front office guys and asked what the deal is with him, because I'd love to play with him.''

Ask Wang about the Warriors and he shares the love.

``Exciting players here, good young players,'' he said in accented English.

But the reality is that Wang probably never will appear in a regular-season game for the Warriors. As a restricted free agent, Wang can sign with any team beginning today. But the Mavericks also can match offers up to the league average, which is in the neighborhood of $4.5 million per year.

Free-spending Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has said he will match any ``reasonable'' offer, and he's a man who typically gets what he wants.

Still, Wang's presence on the Warriors' summer roster has added an air of intrigue to a team that already was immersed in an off-season filled with uncertainty. So, why is Wang playing for the Warriors this summer?

The answer is complicated, but here's the short version: Wang is involved in a test of wills with the Chinese Basketball Association. By refusing orders to return home and train with the national team, he essentially is holding out against China and raising questions about whether he is defecting.

After completing his first full NBA season -- during which he averaged 5.6 points and two rebounds per game -- Wang was supposed to go home. Instead, he went to Los Angeles, disregarding two letters demanding that he return and prepare with the national squad for the upcoming World Championships, which begin Aug. 29.

Wang said he merely was staying to improve his defense and rebounding against better competition. The problem is that Dallas, when it signed Wang, agreed to make him available whenever the Chinese national team asked. Honoring the letter of the agreement, Dallas wouldn't place Wang on its summer roster.

The Warriors decided to let him play on their team.

Wang insists he is not defecting. He intends to join the national team when the squad arrives in Oakland for an Aug. 22 exhibition against the United States at the Coliseum Arena.

Speaking through interpreter Simon Chan, Wang says the problem lies with the Chinese Basketball Association, not with China's communist government.

``The government has been supportive,'' said Chan, a New York City native who worked for the NBA before becoming Wang's adviser. ``An official made a statement recently that both Wang and'' Houston draft pick ``Yao Ming playing in the NBA is good for Chinese basketball. If there's something wrong, it's between him and the CBA.''

Tony Ronzone, an Oakland native who was an assistant with the Chinese national team and helped the Mavericks sign Wang, said it's not that simple. He notes that Wang is a member of the Red Army -- meaning he has a higher obligation to obey directives from China.

``Wang's in a sticky situation,'' said Ronzone, now a Detroit Pistons scout. ``The Chinese definitely are frustrated. They want that kid back. They're very regimented in their training and they want him there. He should go back.''

Ronzone said both sides could save face if Wang went to Turkey in early August, where China is playing in a tournament, and apologized for any ``misunderstanding.''

How the Warriors fit in -- if at all -- is unclear. Having Wang on their summer team does give them a chance to see him up close. Through five games in Long Beach, he has averaged 14.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. The Warriors' evaluation echoes the scouting report on Wang -- an offensive talent who is still learning how to play defense.

It's also worth noting that the Warriors' games have drawn large numbers of Asian-American spectators. That only adds to the belief that Wang would be a box-office draw in the Bay Area.

But the Warriors' salary-cap situation means a sign-and-trade deal probably is the only way they could get Wang.

``What you would like to do is different than what you can fit under the salary cap and the luxury tax,'' General Manager Garry St. Jean said. ``In all likelihood, I would suspect that they'll match any offer.''

Then isn't Golden State helping to develop another team's player? If so, it only adds to the surreal atmosphere that permeates Golden State's summer league entry.

You have Brian Winters, still the team's interim coach and still twisting in the wind, watching as an interested courtside observer. Ex-NBA coach Mike Dunleavy is in the stands -- a nervous dad watching his son's first games for the Warriors while dodging suggestions he eventually will coach the team.

And the players are bracing for further personnel moves.

With all this going on, should it seem bizarre that the Warriors' starting center isn't even one of their own players?

For now Wang is keeping his options open. He and Chan won't even be finished interviewing prospective agents until later this week.

But could he envision signing for the Warriors?

Wang shrugged his shoulders. Somehow, it was a fitting answer.