Will Yao Ming miss 2009-2010 season?

July 9, 11:39 PMAsian-American Sports ExaminerMichael Street

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Yao's final game of 2009 might be the final game of his NBA career.
(AP Photo/Erc Gay)

When Yao Ming went down for the season in Game 3 of the second round of this year's playoffs, it was devastating for the Rockets' 2008-9 season.

Now it looks as if that injury might affect next season, as well.

Yao—who has suffered from several significant lower-body injuries in the past several seasons—discovered a hairline fracture in his foot during that fateful game.

At the time, doctors said he needed to wear a walking boot for 8-12 weeks, but that Yao wouldn't need surgery.

But when that timeframe elapsed last week, an examination revealed that Yao's foot hadn't improved at all.

Though they are now examining further treatment options, the team has invoked an injury exception to their salary cap.

It's a kind of bet that Yao will miss the entire season, freeing up money to sign a free agent to replace him.

The money allowed the signing of Trevor Ariza, an essential addition after Houston lost Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Talk of missing next season may seem premature, but the Rockets are certainly acting as if they won't have their big man in the lineup, and the case was strong enough to convince the NBA to grant the exception to Houston.

Concern over the fractured foot has even led to speculation that Yao might retire from the sport completely, surprising given his age, but not surprising, given his injury history.

If it happens, it would be a huge loss to Houston, the NBA, and to Asian sports. We can only hope that team doctors find a solution to Yao's fot problems, and that he can return to full health.