To The Tin

Yao is likely to miss all of 2009-2010

Yao Ming’s career is in jeopardy, according to a report Monday by Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Last week, reports surfaced claiming Yao’s foot injury suffered in the Western Conference semis hadn’t shown signs of healing.  The injury was expected to heal in 8-12 weeks, but now the timetable could be much, much longer.

The Rockets are seeking multiple opinions to determine the most effective form of treatment for Yao’s troublesome foot.  Yao has had four surgeries in the last three years, and another one could be in the works.

Rockets GM Daryl Morley has said repeatedly that the team won’t speak on the injury until all treatment options have been explored.  Team physician Dr. Tom Clanton broke the code of silence yesterday, telling the Houston Chronicle “At this point, the injury has the potential for him missing this next season and could be career threatening.”

Yikes.

At age 28, it seems unlikely Yao’s career is over.  It also seems unlikely he will ever return to All-Star form.  Yao’s chronic foot problems brings to mind former Blazers C Arvydas Sabonis, who was one of the best players in the world as a youngster before suffering several foot injuries.  The 7′3″ Lithuanian managed to play into his 30’s, but had lost almost all mobility by the time he joined the NBA.

Houston is at a crossroads to say the least.  Repeated attempts to trade up in the draft proved futile, and the quest to move T-Mac continues.  The Rockets will now likely attempt to re-sign Ron Artest regardless of his contract demands.

If Yao does play next season, he almost certainly won’t be ready until April.  Big men are scarce in this free agent class, but Marcin Gortat or DeAndre Jordan might be decent replacements.  Don’t rule out Eddy Curry ending up in Houston if the Rockets manage to send McGrady to the Knicks.