Troubling news from the Houston Rockets reveals that Yao Ming’s broken foot isn’t healing well enough to allow him to play next season; in fact, it’s being considered that he may never play professionally again.
Considering that Ming is 7 ft. 6 in. tall, it’s a wonder that he wasn’t injured more often than he has been. He’s suffered from osteomyelitis, a broken foot, a broken knee, a stress fracture in his left foot, and a sprained ankle — all in a four year period. A guy that tall putting his frame through those kinds of rigors could only expect to receive a debilitating injury at some point, and this might very well be it. And if this isn’t it, then when?
I don’t think there’s anyone at this stage of Ming’s career who could possibly fault him for retiring, but it’s clear he’s been under a great deal of pressure not only from the NBA, but also his home nation, China, who counts him as something of a national hero. But living up to that kind of expectation can’t be easy, and clearly it’s cost him a lot. What’s left for him to do? Should he move into coaching? If so, should he coach in America, or China? And if he’s crazy enough to consider waiting until he’s completely healed, then playing again, will he be the same player two-plus years from now?
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