http://blogs.chron.com/nba/2009/01/tempest_in_a_d_cup_yao_ming_de.html I don't think Yao has officially answered this question yet, but I'm sure the Rockets have considered it. It most likely affects his agility or makes him uncomfortable, similar to the times when he couldn't perform because of an elbow sleeve.
If I recall correctly, it wasn't protective stockings that were banned, if such a thing exists. What was banned were leggings, like the compression shorts, but full length. Too much of a fashion statement or something, and not enough reasoning to keep them safe like arm sleeves. I rewatched the first championships and the pads ewing and hakeem wore were huge, range of motion limiting type huge. I just figured they were phased out with the advances made in compression fabrics and knee sleeves.
I suggest him wearing knee pads as well. I don't want him having another accident. Although Mutombo wore knee pads when he had his freak accidents, that accident was a 1 in a million chance. I want him to wear knee pads, too many scary possibilites.
with all the technology we have nowadays, can one of his shoe or athletic gear sponsors customize an extremely comfortable knee pad for Yao?
I don't think it's the comfort that Yao is worried about, it's how the knee pad limits movement. For his size, with a knee pad, he won't be able to bend his knees very well, at least not with a lot of discomfort. Hopefully his knee is alright. Though I can't see anything good out of this considering how his game will be affected either way in the coming games either with the knee pad or by the pain in the knee.
I play both sports - volleyball and basketball. In my opinion, he could wear an ergonomically designed knee pad as a post player. It didn't restrict my movement alot on volleyball court and without it I am less likely will roll or dive on the floor to save a spiked ball. However, if you're a swingman and do alot of cutting to the basket and changing directions in motion, you might not like it. Maybe something like these can help Yao?
I was going to post on this and you beat me to it, good job! Dream used to wear those red volleyball knee pads. I play both sports too so I know. If any of you know the pain that comes from banging knees together, it can make you cry uncle!
I'm guessing not wearing knee pads is more of a mental thing. The neoprene sleeve like knee pads are very flexible and don't limit movement.
I believe rox staff had already suggested Yao using pads to protect his joints. Maybe Yao is not used to playing wearing pads.
The Lakers came out playing a very physical game Monday. The next game they will just hammer on Yao. Hard fouls before he gets the ball. He will need the equipment a goalie wears in hockey.
