Yao Answers to a Higher Source... God Red China

By Craig Kwasniewski

I find in very interesting that Kobe is putting off surgery on his hand until after the olympics and yet Yao Ming is having surgery *FOR* the olympics.

From yahoo.com:

Houston Rockets center and China captain Yao Ming has insisted he will do everything possible to be fit for August’s Olympic Games in Beijing after being ruled out for at least four months with a stress fracture in his left foot.

Rockets team doctor Thomas Clanton claimed the injury was the result of a heavy workload but does not believe it will cost Yao the chance to participate in the Games.

Here's something that Houston Rockets fans really have to realize: Yao Ming is Team China first and a Houston Rocket second.

Don't get me wrong, if not properly dealt with, stress fractures can absolutely kill the career of a big man. Just look at what happened to Sam Bowie and Bill Walton (mix in Greg Oden's knee issues and I'm starting to think the Blazers are jinxed). So I'm not saying that Yao Ming's injury needs to be ignored or put off like Kobe's finger injury. I'm just saying that it's very interesting (not ironic, but coincidental) that Yao's people decided to shut him down for the 07-08 season giving him just enough time to heal for the summer olympics.

Isn't there any chance of temporarily shutting Yao down for six weeks just to see if can be ready for the playoffs? Maybe, but I really don't think that's in his or China's best interest.

The Yao shutdown couldn't come at a worse time. Clearly the hottest team in the NBA, the McGrady/Ming tandem was finally matching their potential. And with all the focus on the Lakers, Suns and Mavs, they could have easily snuck into the second round...for the first time in both McGrady's and Yao's careers!

BTW - Has there been any greater talent than the two of them to never advance in the playoffs? Can't the NBA relinquish a few All-Star appearances for the post season failures?

Anyway, the Rockets still have the potential to knock off a top team in the first round, but nothing beyond. Of course that's assuming Tracy McGrady's back holds up. Most likely, they'll put a serious scare into someone and fall short in the first round..... again.

Comments

[Zul]

I can not believe you can right an article saying that Yao Ming is not playing because he would rather play for China. He did the surgery because continued play could jeopardized his career. It is a similar injury which halted Bill Walton's career. So check you facts. HE DID THE SURGERY BECAUSE DOCTORS TOLD HIM THE INJURY WILL CONTINUE TO GET WORSE AND REHAB IS NOT THE BEST OPTION FOR THIS TYPE OF INJURY. I would guess you do not live in Houston or have followed Yao Ming. You could never understand his commitment to the Rockets. You are just inventing a story without checking facts. The time line for his injury takes him all the way past the NBA Finals. This is just careless reporting.

[Retard]

This poster is a retard who just want to get hits on his blog, makes absolutely no sense, or just a plain hater.

[MBQ]

Yao has done everything possible for Rockets, but you still think he cheated these fans?! I am Chinese and I feel so proud of Rockets' win streak, no matter with Yao or not. So do my friends. Yao led us to know this team and began to love this team. We are waiting for his return to Rockets and help the team win more.

[Az]

Dude, are you serious? I read your other Rockets post and I didn't feel the need to comment because it was so brainless. Almost every expert/player/commentator will admit that Yao is one of the hardest workers in the NBA, someone who works to improve his game every season. That being said, you think he would just "have" a stress fracture JUST to play for China? No player WANTS to be injured, and as much of a joke you make of this 21 game streak, I'm sure Yao would love to be a part of every minute of this.

Lastly, it is very honorable to be able to represent your country on an international level, so I don't see anything wrong in him playing or working hard to play for China.

Good luck Yao, get well soon.

[joaquin]

CHE PEDAZO DE PELOTUDO TE LO VOY A DECIR EN ESPAÑOL PORQ NO TE VAS A LA MIERDA Y DEJAS DE ESCRIBIR? DEDICATE A BEISBOL SOS UN BRUTO NO TENES IDEA DE LA VIDA.. COMO CONSEGUISTE ESTE TRABAJO? SoS EL HIJO DEL DUEÑO?
AVIVATE ESTUPIDO