Houston Rockets must sit Yao Ming the entire 2009-10 season

September 03 09

NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: "Yao Ming is progressing well. I don’t think that [a career-ending scenario] is something that will happen, based on what I’m hearing from the doctors," Morey told Alipour. "They do know that the bone will heal and he’ll get back on it. And they have not actually ruled out [his return] this season." (ESPN News)

My Gut Reaction: Lose the battle, but win the war.

This has to be the philosophy the Houston Rockets take with Yao Ming’s injured foot. Translation: the club must sit their star post for the entire year and shoot for a return to action in 2010-11.

That’s right. Yao shouldn’t suit up all season.

It doesn’t matter if he feels healthy. It doesn’t matter if his teammates could use him on-court to clinch a playoff spot or secure a seed in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.

In fact, the Rockets shouldn’t have announced there was even a slight chance Yao could return. Here’s why:

First, by publicly stating there was the possibility of a comeback, GM Daryl Morey has put unnecessary pressure on his franchise face. Suddenly, there are expectations. And some fans and media will be disappointed if he doesn’t find a way to play.

Second, he should take the time to rebuild his body. Over the last four years, Yao has missed an average of 22 games per season. Something is off. If things aren’t corrected, other injuries will surely occur with age.

Houston should take this opportunity to review all aspects of Yao’s health. For instance, club doctors must examine his training, diet, posture, and genetics to find out why he’s injury-prone. He’s already out, so it makes sense to try and prevent future ailments.

The Rockets need to consider the big picture. This means sitting Yao for the entire year.

Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts on Yao’s future in 2009-10. And follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Image courtesy of Keith Allison.

4 Comments: Houston Rockets must sit Yao Ming the entire 2009-10 (...)

Posted by
craig
on 09.9.2009

maybe don’t have yao post up every time on offense and defense; maybe post on D but take jump shots on offense; he has a great accuracy and can shoot over others; why not cultivate that? or mix it up and have him bang in the post for a dunk now and then and switch out of protecting the rim and catching a fast break once in a while like a regular player. not only is yao big but think about it, he runs post to post every possession; others guard at the 3 line and take shots from the 3 line, so it’s not just yao that’s prone to injury, but also what he’s asked to do would put more stress on any player, not to mention having other near 300 pound guys stepping on your foot all day long in the post and not getting calls because you’re so big and it looks like you can take the beating. so partly it’s the refs’ fault for allowing this. if yao did half the stuff that others get away doing to him he’d get 40+ a night just shooting FTs .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 09.4.2009

Hi Snika and Jake. I agree. The Rockets are very much a hard knock franchise that can’t get a break. Still, no matter, they must rest Yao and let him get right. I do like some of their young pices in Brooks, Scola, and Ariza. It will be interesting. .

Posted by
Snika
on 09.4.2009

This is a shame... they finally get out of the first round, and lose RON Ron and Yao to free agency and injury. Luckily, they will have T-Mac’s 20 million to take off the books at the end of the year and go after Bosh, Amare, Wade, Johnson, Lebron, Nowitski, etc... I guess just use this year to develop Ariza, Brooks, and your role players more. .

Posted by
Jake
on 09.3.2009

I totally agree. He needs to just relax and rehab this season. The Rockets likely wont make the playoffs this year anyway. There’s always a chance considering that the team will have a "team" style of play with good defense and a scrappiness about them. But in the West even if they do make the playoffs they wont go far. Yao has had so many health problems the past couple of years he would do good to sit out a year and get his strength back. .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Houston Rockets must sit Yao Ming the entire 2009-10 season

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