what if Yao took time off during the season?

He can go to some vacation spot in the world away from basketball with his girlfriend courtesy of Les Alexander. It'll be for something around 30 days. He's in a unique situation that everyone knows about concerning his year-round play. Jim Rome said that the Chinese government needs to lay off him if they want him to be the best he can be. That doesn't look like it is happening, but Yao needs his rest. Imagine the goodwill it would produce for Les Alexander if Yao sees that his employer is willing to let him take some time off to get himself recharged. The timing is right with Cato and Maurice playing very well. They can both be starters now. Padgett will be the backup big man. Alton Ford can get signed up again to 3 consecutive 10 day contracts. Yao comes back to Houston after 30 days with a whole lot more energy and vigor. He'll be ready to contribute a lot to the team in the pivotal final months and into the playoffs. Even in the game tonight, Yao showed signs of weariness after the 1st quarter. The Rockets have no chance of winning anything in the playoffs without a rested Yao.

 

If the Rockets start going into the tank without him, he can come back ASAP.

 

Like I said, if the Rockets start tanking, Yao can come back. It's not like an injury or something even though he'll be on the injury list. Anyone who has worked through several years without taking a single vacation knows how rough it is on the mind and body.

Guess what happens if Yao continues through the entire season without taking a rest. He will play like trash during the final month and the playoffs, and people will complain that he is playing like trash.