You just answered the Million Dollar question! Since Yao is not going anywhere, then neither is Tracy! Next year, they are not going to run as much, because of Yao. So, if you slow it down, then Tracy makes your half court offense, as well as your fast break run more smooth.
I wonder if Yao will play significant portions of the game from the elbow when he comes back. If he can pull that off, seems like 1) it would be a return to his natural position as a center, 2) it would lessen the physical stress of a full NBA season, 3) he would give the Rockets a legit half court offense without disrupting the Adelman offense, 4) he can focus on starting the break as a rebounder / passer, and 5) he can still go down low in end game situations.
I found myself in discussion about Yao and his future with the Rockets the other day with a couple of friends. The conversation was dominated, perhaps surprisngly, mainly by what Yao does for the Rockets, but moreover the NBA, as an International Ambassador for the sport of Basketball. Battier has familiarized everyone in Houston with the term "intangibles" with his performance off of the stat sheet. Yao has a different set of intangibles that should have people equally attached to him, despite being injury prone. Yao has accelerated the NBA's involvement in the Chinese market at an incalculable rate. He is doing this happily in a Rocket's Uniform. What about that has you wanting to trade him?
http://www.examiner.com/x-15615-Asi...11d16-Obama-Yao-Ming-relationship-a-slam-dunk I suggest reading this article as well.
The Rockets need a go to player in the 4th quarter. Between T-Mac and Yao, only T-Mac has proven time and time again that he is a go to player. Yet everyone seems to be in favor of getting rid of the guy and hoping Yao comes back despite the evidence that says this injury may be his last one. However, Yao is the franchise player for reason other than what he does on the court in the 4th quarter. T-Mac's contract will expire at the end of the season in which he may sign with Chicago if Wade or James does not. Joe Johnson to Boston?
our offense has been its best in the past 10 years, and thats without a so called "superstar". for basketball reasons i'd trade yao for some athletic big men, but we all know yao isnt just here for basketball reasons. he brings the mulah and puts people in seats, so for that alone he'll never be traded. the fast moving offense you see now will grind to a halt once yao comes back. our players are going to defer to yao since he'll be the clear cut #1 man and then it'll be the JVG era all over again.
With our outside shooters we have this year, Yao would more effective at the end of the game. If the defense doubles or triples Yao, Yao Has more potent outside shooters to pass to.
i don't know what morey will do to yao and mcgrady, but if it's up to me - mcgrady - go for any decent trade, not expecting any significant return. yao - fit him in if he returns to form; trade him (would be tricky) or let him walk after his contract if he's less than half of what he was; resign him for less if he becomes a big z.
