Yao Ming was the focus of everyone?s attention in Chicago yesterday, his open workout to NBA teams drawing 150 media officials and around 70 NBA team officials.  He might have wowed many of the officials on hand, if Los Angeles Clippers guard Quentin Richardson is any indication the impression Ming left on NBA players is vastly different.

"He impressed everyone," said Richardson. "But I think if you switched all these faces and these were guys in the league sitting here, actual NBA players [rather than coaches and general managers], they would not be as impressed.?

"They would be surprised with some of the things he could do. But once you get on the court, all those individual skills don't matter."  

Ming, at 7-5, impressed the crowd with his ability to dribble the ball between his legs and behind his back.

Ming looked like a player who had practiced skills for years almost to a point of perfection writes Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune, but according to NBA officials to asked not to be quoted he appeared to lack speed and reaction and could be a defensive liability despite his height.  Making matters worse he weighs only 235 pounds (Shawn Bradley is listed at 265) and appeared to tire easily, appearing to be out of wind only 25 minutes into the 70 minute workout.

The Bulls and Warriors are the teams with the best chances of acquiring Ming, each having the most chances for the first pick in the NBA lottery later this month, Yao adding Golden State to Chicago and New York as the destinations he will give individual workouts in.  All three have big Asian populations.

"We asked, but they said they didn't have time," said Jerry West, the Memphis Grizzlies' new basketball chief. "I guess there's not a lot of Chinese in Memphis. But if he is available and that's who we want, we'll draft him."

Most were impressed with his shooting, with range measuring our near the three point line.  He seemed most comfortable facing the basket, with Jerry West likening him to Rik Smits.

But how good will Ming be in the low post?  He was able to hit five straight threes from the college arc but when he was asked to defend 7?3? center Chris Christoffersen in the low post all Christoffersen had to do was back in on Ming who went flying back leaving the basket wide open.  Christoffersen will probably be a second round pick.

"Smits is a good comparison. This guy is big, but he's more of a finesse player at this point. Everyone would like to see him play closer to the basket. His biggest challenge will be on the defensive end," said West.

"It's been a dream of mine to play in the NBA ever since the first time I saw a game on TV many years ago,? read a statement released by Ming.  ?To almost touch that dream today fills me with a sense of joy that words cannot simply describe. I am humbled and grateful for the unforgettable experience of the past few days. ?

"I hope I have not disappointed you with my performance today. Proper credit is also due to members of the media ? your resourcefulness and work ethic are something I think we players should emulate. Journalism is a profession I respect a great deal. Just give me some time to warm up. I look forward to taking each and every one of you to dinner sometime in the future. But the check is on you if your reporting makes me look bad. ?

"He doesn't look like he'll be a huge shot-blocker, that won't be a concern,? concluded Richardson.  ?When we play him, we'll have bets on who's going to get him. He didn't have the intensity level I expected."