If its about resorting to theoretical measures like this, this says as much about Yao's chances of coming back as anything. In that its saying why BOTHER with putting so much focus into getting back marginal contribution. Pickings have gotten slim with Yao. Why not bring in a guy who CAN PLAY the full way even if he's just half as good as Yao.
Bringing Yao back on crucial games like that is very risky. People are saying Yao has high basketball IQ and should be able to adapt, but I don't think it's that easy. The style of play changes drastically with and without Yao, and it wouldn't be wise to change your style of play in crucial games. If he had some run towards the end of the season, then maybe. Also, if we made playoffs without Yao, it wouldn't be fair to the players that played their butts off to get us there in the first place.
And no don't use Michael Jordan's 1st comeback attempt where he came back for the playoff push. Jordan wasnt away from the game cuz he was unhealthy and injured, he was completely healthy and bored. Jordan actually did play the final 2 months of the regular season to allow himself time to blend back in. Thats what Yao would need to do, come back somewhere midway between All Star break and end of the season. He can't just roll in during the 1st round of the playoffs and try to work magic.
I mean he did so well when he played at the beginning of last year, I don't see why he wouldn't be just as good after another year and a half off, a new coaching staff, different teammates, more age on him, and being thrown into an intense environment like the playoffs straight out of the gate. It's really a no-brainer.
I agree with the issues but i think management can and will have the self control to stick to the plan despite how tempting it may be to start him. Jeez, at the very least use him for free throws to close out quarters. Martin was the only one we could trust to hit late free throws.
I think that is set up to fail from the beginning. Unless you win it all, everyone will be asking if yao should have played more and everyone will say he should have. I dont think the rockets want that on their backs, it'll never end.
I say bring him back as a secret weapon, this is a essentially a season to build for 2012 anyway. Not much to lose and it would be interesting.
Yao wouldn't do much in the playoffs if hes healthy the entire regular season and doesn't play a second he'll be so rusty it wont even be funny
Yao will be back better than ever, play a full 82 games after lockout. Houston will be champions again! Play him.
I think fans 50 or 60 years from now would roll out poor Yao in a wheel chair; can't the guy retire out of the game gracefully? Can't we as fans accept that his career is over? Apparently not.
This is not a matter of if we want Yao to retire or not. Yao himself wants to come back, if at all possible.
Who are you to say that his career is over? If Yao feels that he is healthy enough to come back and continue playing, then let him. You have no say in the matter.
I would like Yao to be healthy for a couple years and why not just use him in the playoffs? Chemistry concerns...nahh, get over it. I think this is a pipe-ish dream though.
I understand your caution after the t-mac every home game debacle, but go back in time to 1986 Playoffs. One team had very injury prone back up center that had big expectations in the league but was derailed by countless missed playoffs. That player took a new lesser role and was pivotal in his team winning the title. Kevin Mchale has seen it happen. I'm hoping Yao could take the Walton way out.
I don't see how anyone could cope with the possibility of this dude ever returning at 100%. This dude is effin doooooonnnne! Accept it stop lying to yourselves he will retire post lockout.
