Yi Jianlian hasn't fulfilled his promise, either with Team China or the Nets...although he had good games for both the last year. Now, he faces real pressure. With Yao Ming out, some wonder if he can replace Yi in Chinese fans' minds--and keep the NBA hot in his homeland. As for the Nets, two lacklustre seasons have put him near the top of 2007 lottery picks who've yet to live up to the hype.
- Yao Ming's Absence: A Threat to the NBA's 2009-2010 Global Audience - Henry Abbott - True Hoop
- Some picks from '07 Draft running out of time to develop - John Schuhmann - NBA.com