Report: Yao Ming Could Miss Full Season With Broken Foot, or Worse

UPDATE: Rockets doctor Tom Clanton confirms report.

Dire news out of Houston, if reputable Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! has the right information. The Rockets announced last week that Yao Ming would remain out "indefinitely" -- in other words, the broken foot suffered in the playoffs that was set to be healed by now has not healed. But there's plenty of time until opening night, right?

Maybe not enough time. Woj reports the prognosis could have Yao on the bench for all of 2009-10, and there's a chance his basketball career is completely finished. The info comes from general managers who have talked trade with Houston GM Daryl Morey over the past weeks.

Obviously, it goes without stating that the loss of Yao for one season or forever would be devastating to the Rockets. Yao is the best player on the roster by far and the franchise's most marketable face/name. Yao has single-handedly made the Rockets brand a king in China, and his individual rising tide has served to get his teammates recognition (and endorsement dollars) in Asia.

The Rockets have already lost Tracy McGrady for the start of next season, and Ron Artest is a free agent come Wednesday. While Houston has shown the ability to perform without Yao in the past, that elixir will run out at some point. Without Yao, the run is over.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

6-29-2009 @ 4:15PM

Mr.Zea said...

Well, like we say in earthquake friendly Los Angeles, time to rebuild!

6-29-2009 @ 4:22PM

FLOW said...

Cleveland take note, big guys get hurt. Shaq had the first injury free season last year in years, but when you,re that big, stuff happens...especially when you're 38.

6-29-2009 @ 6:58PM

Ed Fielding said...

I'm a Laker fan, but I sure hope that Yao heals and comes back. He is a great center, a true class act, and a great representative of the Chinese people. He is what is right about the NBA.

6-30-2009 @ 7:20AM

cycomykul said...

ah bummer man...really too bad for him...new york knicks fan here...get well soon mate...go china, go nba, go basketball, go yao ming, you rule baby! peace up yo.

6-30-2009 @ 11:22AM

earsstinks said...

YO GO AWAY !

6-30-2009 @ 8:22AM

jesuaphn said...

Now they are going to call him Gin Py

6-30-2009 @ 9:48AM

IPDaly said...

Now how can anything made in China be that good.

6-30-2009 @ 10:19AM

secondome said...

You talk as if you know everything 100% about China and the world, which is NOT. You language shows exactly who you are as if someone who isn't well-learned and who has never traveled the world well. You really represent the world's famous phrase well as: " the stupid American who doesn't know the world better". You disgraced many American folks who have been around the world, who know a lot better and who won't make such a careless and idiotic comment like you did. You don't represent the well educated American, so either you watch your speech or educate and upgrade yourself before saying something to embarrass America again. One more- You totally forgot who borrows whose Trillions of $$$$$ for bail out huh???

6-30-2009 @ 11:21AM

crowbearcottage said...

secondome, lighten the hell up! IPDaly was obviously joking. BTW, if you're going to attack someone's intelligence, try looking in the mirror you illiterate moron!

John F.C. Taylor said...

This news, like a good vacuum cleaner, really sucks. I'm not a big fan of any sport, but to see a career threatened like this is always a blow to an individual who has the talent to excel in anything.

6-30-2009 @ 10:36AM

Chris said...

Wow. I'm not a big basketball fan, but I'm sorry to hear about this. I hope he heals up.

6-30-2009 @ 12:24PM

darthrhom said...

Get well soon Yao. I love the game of basketball and Yao does good things for the sport.

6-30-2009 @ 1:20PM

nutzo said...

I think any player that has his whole country riding on his or her shoulder like Yao has will always be missed in a sport, because it’s more about the movement and less about the individual person Yao was the son of China. Hopefully he will have a Grant Hill type come back but if not I’m happy just to say I seen him play.

6-30-2009 @ 1:21PM

toddsworld05 said...

Detoit Piston fan here, Good luck to yao ming, i agree he is a class act and one hell of a center, I hope he can play again, if not well he can retire very comfortably,Godspeed yao!