Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is injured and will miss the rest of the 2007-2008 season.
Something Is Afoot
The Houston Rockets have been on a 12 game winning streak, and it looked like nothing was going to be able to stop them.
Well, something from within may be a stop to the entire thing. Yao Ming has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot.
The medical team is urging him to get surgery done to fix it. There’s also a method to heal the wound without surgery, but it’ll take the same amount of time to recover.
It’s probably best for the long term for Yao Ming to have the surgery done.
Big Shoes
Yao Ming was having a fantastic season this year.
The 7′6″ center was averaging 22 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2 blocks a game. He was also playing a career high 37.2 minutes a game.
Unless Hakeem Olajuwon has rediscovered his youth, the Houston Rockets aren’t going to be able to sign someone to fill those shoes. Actually, when one browses over the list of available players, it might not be too bad of an idea to give the Dream a call.
Stepping Up
The Houston Rockets have basically lost any chance they had at winning the NBA championship this year.
However, it be a huge mistake for the team to tank the season. That could do more long term damage than anything, especially on a team that has 8 guys with less than 3 years of experience.
In order for the team to stay competitive, though, the remaining front court players need to step up.
Forward Luis Scola has stepped up as of late. Ever since being promoted to the starting lineup, he has produced 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds a game. The team has also been undefeated since the promotion. With more touches available and less help on the boards, Luis Scola now has a chance to up his numbers to 15 points and 8 rebounds a game.
Carl Landry, a 6′9″, 250 forward from Purdue, will be asked to play an addition 5-10 minutes a game now. He’s been pulling down an impressive 5 rebounds a game despite playing only 15 minutes a game.
Steve Novak is 6′10″, and that’s about it. He hasn’t been able to stay on the floor for more than 20 minutes a game. If there was ever a time for him to step up, now would be good. The Houston Rockets aren’t expecting much from him.
The undersized Chuck Hayes is a crowd favorite. He’s going to have to get back on track. If he can play as well as he did in December, then the Houston Rockets should still be able to compete.
Closing Thoughts
The Western Conference is just too deep to think the Houston Rockets can do any damage in the playoffs without Yao Ming. They might be able to steal a first round upset if the opponents underestimates them, but that’s the best case scenario right now.
February 26th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Yeah, I’d have to agree that the playoffs are possible but anything after the first round will be a real, real long shot.
I agree with you on Luis and Hot Carl, both should be able to turn this unfortunate incident into more production for them.
I’m bullish on Scola but I think Landry has the real opportunity to break out.
As for Hayes, I just don’t know.