Ten reasons why to draft Yao Ming

What would you do if your team desperately needed a center?

Would you trade one of your talented guards or forwards for him, or maybe take the big risk of drafting a young, unproven big man.

Well the question got even tougher now that Yao Ming has entered the picture.

Many questions have arisen saying he is either the next Dirk Novitski or Manute Bol.

I'll give you 10 quality reasons why someone should draft him...

10: I don't care who you are, a big man is in high demand in the NBA. Only a few quality 5's are in the league, and all of them make the playoffs annually.

9: He can shoot jumpshots! Did I mention he's also 7'5 -- good lord that's a big man.

8: He's China's most dominate player of all time. That's saying something... isn't it??

7: He'll bring Chinese fans to the game, opening up new marketing and selling booths for arenas all across the league.

6: Ming rhymes with ring... Ok that's pretty pathetic, but bad teams have to start somewhere.

5: He has a sense of humor, actually joking about taking the media out for lunch. Mr. Ming, I enjoy Chinese food just as much as the next man. TAKE ME!

4: Rumor has it he is the actual missing link, you know big foot. He's a made for TV movie in the making.

3: He doesn't speak fluent English, which means tons of abuse by sportswriters, newscasters, and most importantly me.

2: There isn't an answer for Shaq yet, take the risk. Worst that could happen is another victim to O'Neal's incredible strength.

And the No. 1 reason: Nobody said you have to take the man in the first round. Take him in the late second round. That way if he's a bust nobody cares.

Of course nobody will listen to me, and he will be a top 5 pick. Probably the first.

The debate, however, will continue until we actually see him play.

The question is, will will be be Kevin Bacon's "Air Up There 2" or is he going to be another sideshow freak.

We shall see.