(because there's a pretty standard shelf life for players playing in the NBA at the height and weight Yao played at...we knew that at friggin' Clutchfans before they drafted him)
I love Yao's humor, his heart and at his best he was a capital D Dominant force at both ends of the floor. At the risk of making half the board mad at me though, I am going to have to file him next to Ralph Sampson on the "What greatness might have been!" list of Rockets centers, instead of the "What greatness we had!" list next to Hakeem and Moses.
I don't see the harm in bringing him back on a minimum deal and letting him attempt his comeback. The difference between that and this year is that we wouldn't be expecting him to contribute -- which would allow us to move forward with other plans. Yao will probably go down amongst my favorite Rockets. I suffered through a lot of heartbreaking years with him, but he always gave his all and I can't say that about many other Rockets. He was a terrific example for this city and team and he will truly be missed.
Let's calm down everybody.. we will have tons of money under the cap to get someone next offseason or the following. And trading yao or keeping him isn't going to change that..
I dont think anyone could ask for more from Yao the person. 1st class person, great work ethic, great representation of a Houston Rocket. However, he made alot of money and missed alot of games. 34m in the last 2yrs for 5 games. I still cant get past the Utah series in 06 when Boozer killed him on one end and Okur neutralized him on the other.
....or sitting out Game 7 against the Lakers. Ugh, I shouldn't have went there. Anyway, I'm all for bringing him back at the league minimum if he's willing. Either way, we need to pretend like he's not even an option. If it happens, great. If it doesn't, well...let's be able to say we planned accordingly this time.
What makes you so sure that we can trade Yao's contract? He may remain a Rocket tomorrow. If I'm wrong, thanks Yao and good luck coming back.
I just don't believe Yao will ever return healthy again. I mean after his last injury, he rehabbed over a year, work his behind off just to return to the court. His minutes were reduced greatly and he rest on back to back games. Even all of that precautionary for Yao, limiting his minutes greatly and a long rehab, he still went down again after just 7 regular season games. I mean what else are we suppose to do? The ROckets did their best to keep Yao healthy. He barely logged any minutes. But still, 7 games into the reg season and he went down again. I just think its time for him to throw in the towel. Whats the point of him trying to make another comeback? Chances are, if he do return, he will go down again. I mean do Yao really want to go through another long year of rehab just to break another bone? Its not like he's getting younger. He's getting older and each time it is harder for him to come back. His foot isn't getting any stronger. Even if the Rockets resign Yao to a vets min, I still think its isn't worth it. Its not about how much we pay him or how cheap he will resign. Its more about him having to go through the harsh rehab and he's taking up a roster spot that can be given to a young player that can be much more productive by actually playing. Thanks for the great memories but its time to move on. The ROckets have tried with Yao for years. But each time he continues to go down. Its not his fault. His body just can't withstand the grueling Nba schedule. The Tmac and Yao's era was a big failure. Lots of expectations, but that's about it. They didn't go nowhere. ITs a new rebuilding era. THe Rockets moved on with Tracy. Now its time to move on with Yao.
Because Clutchfans are experts on these matters. Just wish the Rockets doctors were as wise. Or maybe they did "know" and just wanted to fail. You can say it was just all about the money if you want, but I think you're reaching if you think any other NBA team who happened to win first pick in that draft would have handled Yao any differently.
Ridiculous upside that either didn't have enough time to transpire or was never going to happen. Spoiler
I think the Rockets doctors absolutely knew. Hell, Dr. Kenneth First, an orthopedic surgeon, was on sports radio the day after the injury vs. the Lakers saying he'd never be able to play significant minutes again given his size.
