HLBT Daily: Happy Birthday, Yao... Fairwell, Ime.

Today is Yao Ming's birthday, and word is he has sprouted up another 3 inches since last season and is still growing (joke).

There is a good chance that Yao was taller (as a roughly 6'5") 6th grader than you are now. That should be of no surprise, however. You were not a result of the Chinese government breeding its two tallest specimens, from a selection of over one-billion no less, and you were not fed growth hormones until you reached giant status... theoretically, anyway.

At the ripe yet mature age of 26, the big fella has decided to dedicate himself to something other than basketball. Yao has joined an anti-shark's fin soup consumption movement. The soup is a delicacy in China, however many believe it should no longer be served. According to the Taipei Times, "The popularity of shark fin soup is blamed by environmentalists for drastically reducing shark numbers worldwide, and is thought directly responsible for putting four species on the endangered list."

From what I have heard, Yao's mother played an integral part in every Chinese rebellion since the 60's. Maybe it's genetic, but it is nice to see Yao stand up for what he believes in.

One of Yao's teammates did not get the message in time. An article on bangkokpost.com reads, "US basketball player Tracy McGrady was criticized by wildlife campaigners Tuesday for eating shark's fin soup during a visit to Hong Kong." Let's hope for Houston's sake that this will not cause any tension within the Rockets' organization. Yao seems to be pretty serious about this.
Barring any shark's fin soup protests/soup related scuffles with teammates/violent shark's fin soup aficionado attacks/other off-court issues, the 26 year old should have a fruitful upcoming NBA season.

At first I was saddened when I read that the Knicks waived Ime Udoka. Ime was the (lone?) no-maintenance player on the Knick roster last year. He always played hard and his mouth never caused any trouble - making him a minority among NBA players, let alone New York Knickerbockers.

Hopefully at least one NBA exec is aware of how Ime can benefit a team and will sign him shortly. If not, there is always the option of playing overseas. Good luck, Ime, whatever you choose to do.