It's been a huge problem for Yao, he's a tremendous talent no doubt and a stellar citizen/teamate. But he's on the verge of being Bill Walton, a guy who after his championship season in Portland was never really healthy again. Foot problems. I however don't see Yao snubbing the Chinese, he has tremendous love for China and will continue to play national team ball more than he probably should. For reference though many NBA stars are criticised for not wanting to play on on the USA team esp during non olympic years.
Well thought out article. It struck me as strange that Yao was still playing late in the game, long after there was no doubt about the outcome. If he'd been injured in those closing moments it would have been a very stupid blunder on the part of the Chinese coaching staff.