So the Houston Rockets GM says he supports the rights of folks in Hong Kong to protest their government.
Then the Beijing government threatens to ban the rockets from the Chinese internet and stop airing their games on Chinese TV. 
Immediately the NBA apologizes.

I think that's really weak sauce. 

For a league that lets so many of its players speak so freely on so many topics, as soon as someone threatens to block some of their flow of money, they fold?

While Hong Kong protestors are being shot with live rounds?

Imagine it playing out differently, if the NBA had balls:

China: How dare you interfere with our internal matters!  We will ban the Rockets from China!

Rockets: OK, have fun explaining to your people why one of the best teams in their favorite sport is no longer on TV.  Have fun explaining how the team that made Yao Ming an internationally known celebrity is no longer good for China.  While you're explaining that, maybe consider not shooting protestors anymore?

But no.  The NBA just loves Chinese money too much.
I can't promise I would do better if I was in charge, but it is disheartening.

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