http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2264757 Updated: Dec. 19, 2005, 12:35 AM ET Sore big toe sidelines Yao Ming indefinitely Associated Press LOS ANGELES -- All-Star Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets missed his first game of the season and the third of his NBA career Sunday night because of a sore right big toe that will sideline him indefinitely. "It's not a one-game thing," coach Jeff Van Gundy said before the Rockets met the Los Angeles Lakers in the finale of a six-game road trip. "It will probably be a multiple-game thing, whatever that is. We'll know more after he sees the doctor. "He doesn't miss much. So when he misses, he's hurt." Yao returned home before Sunday night's game. He has had a problem with his right big toe for some time, missing two preseason games because it was bothering him. The 25-year-old center has played in 266 regular-season games since joining the Rockets in 2002. Houston returns to action Wednesday night at home against Toronto. "We can still win," Van Gundy said. "Obviously, your chances are better when you have your better players." Yao, the leading vote-getter after the first set of returns for this season's All-Star game, had 22 points and seven rebounds in an 89-81 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday that snapped Houston's five-game winning streak. He is averaging 19.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.36 blocked shots. The Rockets are also without injured guards Rafer Alston, Jon Barry, Bob Sura and Derek Anderson. "If you have Tracy McGrady on your team and play really hard and smart, you can be in games," Van Gundy said. The Rockets are 0-8 without McGrady this season. McGrady was averaging 25.1 points in 14 games before Sunday night. "We just have to go about business as usual," Rockets guard David Wesley said. "It's unfortunate. We've got to find a way to win despite that. It won't be easy." Van Gundy said Dikembe Mutombo would start in Yao's spot. Mutombo was averaging 10.9 minutes, 1.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 20 games. "I'm ready to go, there's no question about that," the 39-year-old center said. "You don't know when your name is going to be called." Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Yao's absence was "a disappointment for our fans." When Lakers forward Lamar Odom was told Yao wouldn't be playing, he replied: "Good. This is sports, right?" Odom went on to say he'd be happy facing the San Francisco Giants without Barry Bonds and the Indianapolis Colts without Peyton Manning. "They've got a great player, though, a great player on the wing who can make shots," Odom said, referring to McGrady. "Mutombo's a warrior and he plays hard."
I am quite depressed... I am going to my first Rockets game ever (Raptors) and I won't even get to see my favorite Rocket play... WHY NOW???!
Is it an ingrown toe nail? If so, get that sucker yanked off, and get back on the court. It doesn't hurt when the nail is gone....just don't get stepped on. If it's infected, that's a different story.
i hope this wont be the first of many foot problems for Yao. It seems 7' 4" and up players have foot problems
The nail fell off long ago, it's infection that's set in. He's been playing with no toenail for quite a long time.
This sucks. But to insult Yao is absurd. His attendance record has been good so far. Extraordinarily good for a guy his size. This injury sounds wimpy, but my guess is...it's very painful and incapacitating in a game.
He's been play terrific lately so losing him will be tough, but this could be a blessing in disguise. Better he get injured now than late in April and early May when it would effect our chances of advancing past the first round. An even better blessing in diguise is the fact that he'll be getting some rest closer towards the middle of the season. He really doesn't get a chance to rest up during All-star break festivities so this'll be his chance. And of course coming off a win against one of the hottest teams in the league currently makes losing him a bit easier to take. Get well Yao.
Shaq has had lingering toe problems for years from an arthritic big toe. He has missed extended periods of time because of it. So why is it so ridiculous for Yao to miss some games because of his toe?
For big man it takes longer for an injury to heal in the extremities. due to circulation issues in a tall body. More work for heart to pump blood long distance to foot. Hopefully Yao is not diabetic, so healing does not take too long to defeat infection. Probably painful or he would play. Yao is iron man he misses very few games. Get well Yao - we support you.
You do know you use your toe to push off right? That's why turf toe is so badly. Some people are just quick to try and rip or criticize a player without knowing the full info.
This is r****ded! Yao is 7-6. 7 friggin 6!!!! He should be able to play with just one toe on each foot. A toe only accounts for 6 inches tops!! That still leaves 7 foot to make use of. No other player in the NBA has such an advantage like that. He should dominate toeless!! What a softie!!
dude are you on crack? no body can even talk without their big toe, here, you can saw off just the big toe, and try to walk.
Not only can I talk without my toe, I can also bite and chew. I dont know where you come from, but most people I talk to acknowledge that toe is an extension of foot. If you are growing a toe in your mouth, I suggest you get checked out immediately!!!!! You might try walking to your local ER using your tongue!
