With the kind of hardwork Yao puts in, coupled with his determination to always improve his physique and game, I won't be surprised to see Yao back in early-mid March. The sooner the better; we definitely want Yao back into a solid groove of 20+/10/2 come playoff time. I predicted at the start of the season that the Rockets would face the Suns in the WCF and lose in 7 (since we match up poorly with their play style and speed). Yao Ming coming back to a better team than the one he left is gonna give us the fire power we need to beat elites like Dallas, and with Yao back on a healthy, cohesive team, I really like our chances to take the mavs to task in round 2. How sweet would it be to drop the defending WC champs in the 2nd round, effectively getting revenge for 04-05? We should all give thanks to the basketball gods that we have this generation's heir-apparent center, the center who will almost certainly carry on the tradition of dominate big men of the past, players like Wilt, Kareem, Hakeem, and Shaq. Yao is the best center in the league hand's down and he still hasn't quite hit his prime, and though he must be aware of that he remains humble and ever hardworking. It's not only Yao's talent that makes him great, it's the effort he puts into being the best. And there is no question that said effort is paying off; not only for Yao, but for his team, his coach, and the fans. As Yao prepares to return, the whole league looks on in anticipation (fear?) of what the Rockets will ultimately become by season's end... and as fans we could not be luckier. Hurry back Yao, the Mavs continue to be too damn cocky!
Is anyone else concerned about Yao coming back early? While it would be great to see him back on the court in early March I don't think he should be rushing things. The Rox are playing good and aren't desperate like teams like the T-Wolves trying to get into the playoffs. IMO it would be better for Yao to take a little longer rehab and then ease him back in than to try to rush him back.
plus he will be wearing that brace the remainder of the season. i hope that doesn't hinder his mobility.
Yeah, when a bone is healed it's actually stronger than it was before the fracture. There's nothing to be worried about. He just needs to get his stamina up again.
Imagine the crowd noise that will fill the Toyota center when it's first announced that Yao is entering the game. The lid is gonna blow off the place!
Exactly. Even if his bone is healed I'm guessing there are some conditioning issues and also given that he probably hasn't been putting full weight on the injured leg his movement might be altered. I've seen this happen to many athletes including myself when coming back from an injury there is a danger of injuring something else since you've been favoring the previously injured part. For instance if one leg is injured more stress is placed on the other leg. It would be great for Yao to come back in early March I think for the Rox and Yao's longterm interest it would make more sense to be cautiuous rather than rush him back in.
Just heard on ESPN that the Rockets are expecting Yao to return ahead of schedule, possible early-March
Just found the article for it too... http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4548570.html This is great news, already it's made my day and I'm about to go take a test too. I hope they're not pushing it.
Agree! Ralph injured his knees because of a back injury. I hope they take all the time needed to bring the big fella back as close to 100% as they can this season.
Yao Ming is the fastest healer in the history of NBA basketball. What a physical specimen. I can't wait to see him back on the floor...I have a feeling he may only get about 13 shots a game when he comes back but he'll sink about 8 or 9 of em and average right around 22 points a game. One thing is for sure, he will make us better and that is scary.
We will become a very good team with Yao back. Its just that we're still not yet ready to step as a contender until we fill in the holes of the team.
