The Sad Case of Yao Ming

Categorized as: Author: Patrick, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Injuries
Posted on: December 16th, 2010

As reported by the Houston Rockets on their website, an MRI conducted on Yao Ming on Thursday revealed a stress fracture in his left ankle. It was the same ankle that he injured earlier in the year and was rehabbing with the goal of getting back on the court as soon as possible. There is currently no timetable for his return, but based on his history, the injury should sideline him the rest of the season. It’s another sad (but not surprising) setback for the too-big-for-his-own-good Ming, who has played a total of five games over the past two seasons because of various foot injuries.

With Ming in the last year of his contract, many people are already jumping to the conclusion that he has played his last game in the league and will retire. I tend to agree with Ian Thomsen on this one. Ming’s career has been defined by comebacks and he has always had a laser focus on his return to the court after an injury. I could see him retiring, but I would not be surprised if he decides this is just another injury for him to rehab.

The injury should not have much in the way of fantasy implications since Ming has not played since Nov 10th. That is, unless the Rockets make a play for another center. Say like… Anthony Randolph. Until then, we’ll see the three-headed fantasy succubus of Chuck Hayes, Brad Miller and Jordan Hill, none of whom have been consistent (or good) this season.

In other injury news, the Celtics have reported that Rajon Rondo will be out the next couple of weeks to rest his ankle, which swelled up after last night’s game. Nate Robinson will take his place in the starting lineup and should get plenty of minutes to have more awkward celebrations with Paul Pierce. In 4 starts this season, Robinson has averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 assists and 2.8 threes. So yeah, pick him up if he’s available. And if he’s already been grabbed, then take solace in the fact that the Celtics only play 2 times next week, so the number of games that Rondo will miss should be minimal.

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Tags: Yao Ming