What seems like ages ago (ok six seasons), the Houston Rockets struck lottery gold in the form of a curiously large man from Shanghai; a giant in both size and international stature he was an important addition on many levels. Their Franchise player already established, the Rockets front office felt their new star would be true to his namesake and another dynasty would reign in Houston. Somewhere along the way though, the wheels fell off (including Yao's more than a few times), and while Steve Francis was dealt in timely fashion before his disgraceful implosion, the Ming era has been far from prosperous.
It's often hard to see Yao for the player he is. Few athletes have ever been surrounded by as much hype as him; been as closely scrutinized or had more weight on their shoulders. The first legit basketball superstar from the World's most populous country, he was looked on as more than a saviour for a troubled franchise but a global ambassador of a game hose international appeal was booming. He juggled his newfound celebrity and the challenges of being an NBA rookie admirably, keeping a smile for the ominous media and Houston in the playoff race until the season's final games. It was a promising beginning, but even though his game has grown strong enough to fit his 7'6" frame, said frame hasn't held up its end of the deal.
Yao's played no more than 57 games in any of the past three seasons; a troubling track record that makes you almost forget he's the best true center in the league. Year after year, the Rockets seem poised to contend in the West, only to fall short when Yao inevitably falls down. Years of balancing commitments to the NBA and China's national team are taking their toll and the big guy might have to slow his roll, lest evolve into an Asian Patrick Ewing by his 30th birthday.
He's lucky in the sense that his game is fairly laid-back; he's not called on to run the floor a whole lot, doesn't play an overly physical game in the post and is naturally long enough that he doesn't need to exert himself as much as other players to rebound and block shots. Another bonus will the newfound presence of Ron Artest, which will ease the burden on Yao's legs (and T-Mac's back) by providing defensive enforcement and 20/game if needed. The team should be good enough to stay near the top of the West even if Yao's coasting in neutral from time to time, which might be their best course of action, because another serious injury could spell the end of their season, and seriously endanger Yao's career.
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