Print

Rockets War Room Video

HOUSTON (Draft Night - June 26, 2002) - There wasn't much drama with the Rockets' selection of Yao Ming with the No. 1 pick of the 2002 NBA Draft. After all, earlier in the day GM Carroll Dawson had already proclaimed the Rockets would indeed be selecting Yao first overall. The real drama at Rockets draft headquarters on draft night concerned the No. 15 pick, which the Rockets had targeted all along to use on Slovenia's Bostjan Nachbar. However, after an impressive workout the weekend before the draft, Houston had fears Nachbar may not be available at No. 15. After a couple of close calls with Washington at the No. 11 spot and the Clippers at No. 12, the Rockets staff had one more concern - Indiana at No. 14. When NBA Commissioner David Stern announced the Pacers' selection of Fred Jones, Rockets Head Coach Rudy Tomjanovich, Dawson and the remainder of the coaching staff began to celebrate as they realized Nachbar was on his way to Houston.

Rockets.com was on hand in the Rockets war room during draft night to bring you the following exclusive video highlight clips. See the Rockets staff's celebration of selecting Yao, Tomjanovich's and Dawson's comments on the draft, the sweating out of Indiana's pick, and more!


He's coMING!
The Rockets coaching staff celebrates as David Stern announces Houston's selection of Yao Ming with the No. 1 pick.
56k|300k

Close Call
The Rockets sweat out Indiana's pick, as assistant coach Mike Wells works the phones.
56k|300k

Rockets Get Their Man
The Rockets select Bostjan Nachbar with the No. 15 pick.
56k|300k

A New Era of Rockets Basketball
Rudy T. explains how he envisions Yao and Nachbar fitting into the Rockets offense.
56k|300k

Yao-Mania
Rudy T. and Rockets owner Leslie Alexander talk about the impact of Yao.
56k|300k

Yao The Man
Rudy T. talks about Yao's skills.
56k|300k