Well, that proves he can't hold up to 25 minutes a game with no back-to-backs. Could he hold up to a smaller role, or is any amount of basketball too much for him? We can't really say. All I'm saying is that when decision time rolls around, if the Rockets believe that what Yao's doctors tell them means that there's some certain amount of minutes Yao could endure, that that amount of minutes would be useful to the Rockets, and the price they would pay considers the risk and the reduced role, it might be nice to have the big guy.
The man felt fine even with the fracture. They shut him down and had to bring him the scan copies to prove it to him. I think it's if Yao does come back he should only play within the flow of the game and not be forced in isolation plays. (I'd rather gouge my eyes out then see a slow Yao operate like that.) He needs to just jog up and down the court trying with an effort to rebound and defend. He can do it and become a force because of sheer size. I always wondered why our team was so incompetent and made him the focal point of the offense right off the bat, the man clearly was not in the condition to do isolation plays. I really do sense Rocket Staff incompetence when it comes to the game of basketball. They really have no clue of how to transition a player back into the game.
Good post. I was thinking nearly the exact same thing. The chances of Yao coming back strong are probably about the same chance as our 10 to 15 pick becoming a superstar ready for a playoff run. Which is to say not great.
If the Rockets try to bring Yao back, I'm done with them. Seriously, I forgive Les for doing everything possible to hold onto his cash cow, but it's OVER.
I would be willing to have Yao back but only on the cheap. WE can't have him hamstringing our organization anymore. Love the guy but if he isn't able to play we can't rely on him. He is worth the roster spot if he comes cheap though.
Title99, I totally agree with you. The chance of Yao coming back is more than the chance of landing another superstar. People on this board do not appreciate that the talent that he bring to the table is scarce and think it is easy to obtain that for this team. It turned out to be very difficult for a city in Texas. That is why the rocket front office is and has to still put its stake on Yao even after consecutive injuries. I am optimistic that though his hardworking and professionalism, he will return back to his dominant form. After all, a center can play for a fairly long period of time. And he is only 30 (am I right? )
Nobody is saying Yao is the way to go. You have misunderstood my point. Just stating that its more likely that he will lead us into the playoffs the next 2-3 years than someone else (lucky draft pick, FA/trade pick up) will. The chances are low, of course, and we shouldn't financially strap ourselves to Yao, but if he can be had for cheap, I'm all for it.
so you're saying we have no chance basically. give it up. yao is done. his foot is too fragile to ever play a full season.
Basically yes. Our chances of making any noise in the playoffs in the next 2-3 years are extremely low. A sad reality.
To be a playoff team all the rockets really need is a center who can defend the rim. With a mediocre defense this team would already be in the playoffs. Even if Yao doesn't comeback 100%, I can still see him being an effective defensive center, all he really needs to do is hold his arms straight up when someone goes near the rim. Most of the pounding he takes is on the offensive end, so limiting his post game could prolong his career. This is assuming his injuries have healed and he is resigned to a reasonable contract. I think something along the lines of $5 mil a year for maybe 2 years is quite reasonable.
if this is true, we are COMPLETELY screwed. no player at Yao's size has ever played significant minutes past his early 30's...none have played past the age of 34 at all...those who did were reduced to about 10 mpg. the man is 7'6" and his feet are all jacked up. he can't continue to put that kind of weight and pressure on those feet and his joints regularly. goodness, how many times does it take to learn that?
There is just no way you can count on Yao for anything. They can resign him for cheap but should have zero expectations of him contributing anything significant. If by some miracle he can consistently play 20 mpg as a backup and gives you some production, it should be taken as a bonus, not something the team plans for.
Actually agree with the statement but it has more to do with the amount of Superstars available then Yao. Reality is Yao will probably come back, might take a while, and be a decent center. Reality also is that there aren't many superstars left to he had, DHoward and Chris Paul are it. Deron will stay in NJ, they have capspace and an owner who is out for blood. I used to be completely against bringing him back but at this point, they would be beyond stupid to count on him or pay anything significant. He wants to be here, they want him here so give it shot and maybe we get lucky and he becomes a average NBA center again, not many out there. He could also help mentor Thabeet a bit, different players but a center is a center and any practice time with a legit big man can't hurt Thabeet.
