Yao is likely done -from yahoo sports

[Andrew]

The original article mentioned that he's seeking further opinion on his condition, so there's a chance that the situation isn't as bad as it currently appears. As it stands though, it's looking kind of bleak for Yao and the Rockets to say the least.

[Mirkwood]

getred12

Ilgauskas is a unrestricted free agent

[Stress Fracture]

Really? I didn't know that.

[Andrew]

At the end of next year he is.

[Mirkwood]

you sure?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/stor ... ents-09-10

[AMenace]

Houston should try and make a trade for Dwight Howard.

Could do that easy in NBA 2K9

[Stress Fracture]

IF Z terminates his contract, then he'll become an UFA.

[The X]

yup shoulda traded him when he has value

that would be such an unintentional dick move.

dick move = better than lotto team

In that case, you seem to be of the adage that should've traded Bird/McHale while they still had value. No?

I think it's great to see some loyalty to players & their fan base. I couldn't imagine Celtics trading Bird.

EDIT: I obviously know Yao & Bird are in different leagues, but I think the example is still pertinent.

[Mayerhendrix]

if the rockets were a healthy team, i'd expect them to be the 2nd best in the western conference easily, maybe even first over la. tmac and yao are amazing players minus the injuries and pieces like battier, scola, brooks, and artest are solid roleplayers to back them up.

[crazy1748]

houston realli need a big man who can back yao, in the past years houston dun have any true centre can play yao's role. =s onli DM

[kingjames23]

biz z will stay put. the fact that the cavs will have shaq and z at the same time means that they can be more productive and less injury prone by sharing minutes. have each play 2 quarters a game X 82 games for the season... that means they each play half a season's worth of minutes total... and both are fresh for the playoffs. you need both guys if you want to shut down howard in the east finals. + sideshow bob will get minutes at center when foul trouble hits. its a solid plan

[Modifly]

The only thing Houston really need last year to win a championship was to stay healthy. If T-Mac could play like his first year in Houston (which wasn't even the peak of his career) and Yao maybe averaging a few more points to go with a few more boards that would be adequate because Houston's supporting cast were superb last season. Obviously I'm being biased, but who cares.

[Lamrock]

Can they terminate Yao's contract if they deem is career-ending? They can sign Gortat this offseason to the MLE, then get a big-time 2010 FA

[Andrew]

you sure?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/stor ... ents-09-10

Yes, he's a free agent in 2010 (beginning with the 2010/2011 season) which is next year. I guess I worded it a little badly given the context and the fact that 2009/2010 has now become "this year".

[Sauru]

yup shoulda traded him when he has value

that would be such an unintentional dick move.

dick move = better than lotto team

In that case, you seem to be of the adage that should've traded Bird/McHale while they still had value. No?

I think it's great to see some loyalty to players & their fan base. I couldn't imagine Celtics trading Bird.

EDIT: I obviously know Yao & Bird are in different leagues, but I think the example is still pertinent.

yao has not done anything to earn the loyalty of the team yet, a bunch of first round exits is nothing. however my comments above were more of a joke than anything, they never would have had any real value back from a trade with him anyway

[Andrew]

Yao to have surgery, likely out 2009-10

I guess it was pretty much confirmed already, especially with the Rockets being granted an injury exception within the last week or so. Yao may yet avoid the worst case scenario but looks like 09/10 will definitely be a write-off.

[Modifly]

It also appears like the decision was made earlier but they hold on to it and made a late announcement yesterday.

Taking a season off should be a great opportunity for Yao to rest properly without any basketball related activities. He failed to do in each of the last 7 seasons.

This should give Dorsey some decent playing time then. This also brings me joy because it means I'll get to see Chuck Hayes with his ultimate defense more often. Not to even mention his freethrows, that's a must see.

[NovU]

Interesting...

Will there be Yao in NBA 2K10?

[Patr1ck]

Probably. It's not like they left Gilbert Arenas out of the game due to injuries.

[bee-boy]

No playoffs for Houston.

[SHAQ33]

He was a good soldier

[bee-boy]

I wonder who Houston would look at now in FA or trade talks now that Yao is out.

[Jing]

They picked up that Anderson guy from Australia but he'll hardly be a replacement.
Here's hoping a full year's rest will mend him enough for a couple more seasons, though if he doesn't play again he can always go run his restaurants and manage the Shanghai Sharks, his fame and money are enough to last him and his family a good while. He's opened the door wider for more prospects from the far east.

[Modifly]

No playoffs for Houston.

We will see mate.

[Angelo]

No playoffs for Houston.

How I wish this would be true