Back in 2002, the Houston Rockets ushered in a new breed of center by drafting Chinese 7’6″ Yao Ming.

At first, drafting the Chinese superstar was thought to be a bit risky as the majority of big men at this size always seem to have health problems and never really last very long in the league, but even though that has ultimately turned out to be the case with Yao in terms of injuries, the center’s skills and ability were just too much to pass up on.

Not only did Yao have the talent in the post, but his shot was perhaps the most impressive part of his game as he is money from the charity stripe and can stretch the defense with his mid range jumper. Despite Yao Ming slowly turning into one of the best centers in the league, the injuries started to mount up and playing an entire NBA season seemed impossible.

Last season the Houston Rockets had to undergo some drastic changes as their two superstars had some problems. Tracy McGrady, much like Yao Ming, had been injury prone over the last few years and the Rockets were seriously considering heading in a new direction. As a result, Houston signed Trevor Ariza in the offseason and once McGrady was healthy, told him he had to come off the bench.

Unfortunately, McGrady refused to accept his new role with the team and asked for a trade. Ultimately, the two-time scoring champion was traded to the New York Knicks and the Tracy McGrady era in Houston was officially over.

As for Yao Ming, he sat out the entire 2009-2010 NBA season with foot injury injury he sustained against the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs in the previous season. Even though many people thought he would get back on the court last season, it never happen and now there are serious doubts about his future.

Recently, Yao came out and said that if his foot doesn’t heal properly or up to his standards throughout next season that he could very well call it a career and retire from the game entirely.

Yao will be in the last year of his contract next season in which he stands to make $17.7 million dollars, but if his foot doesn’t heal like it should, after his contract is up with the Houston Rockets he might be done for good in the NBA. nbhvgct