Most devastating injury in Houston Rockets history: Yao Ming
When the Houston Rockets took Yao Ming with the No. 1 overall pick in 2002 — mainly because it was one of the conditions required for Yao to play in the U.S. — their decision was met with plenty of skepticism. Many talking heads were predicting that the seven-footer would be a bust.
Well, that didn’t happen. Yao immediately showed promise as a lanky, deceptively strong rim protector, who also possessed a bevy of post moves in his rookie season. nNot long after, he blossomed into one of the best centers in the game.
Between 2003 to 2009, Yao averaged 20.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game with a 60.0 true shooting percentage and .205 win shares per 48 minutes. With him and fellow superstar Tracy McGrady leading the way, the Rockets became a perennial 50-win team in the rugged Western Conference, though the team only made it past the first round once during that era.
But the good times didn’t last long. Yao spent almost his entire career dealing with some sort of injury, specifically in his legs and feet. The big man eclipsed the 80 games played mark just three times in his nine-year tenure and played in at least 75 only once after 2005.
With a lot of men Yao’s height — listed at 7 feet 6 inches — injuries, particularly in the legs and the feet, become a big concern. The injuries are what ultimately cut Yao’s career short.
The most serious of his foot ailments struck during Game 3 of the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Originally diagnosed with a sprained ankle, follow-up test later revealed that Yao also suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot, which forced him to miss the remainder of the postseason. Houston ultimately lost that series to eventual Western Conference Champions and thus began the downfall of the Rockets.
Yao missed the entire 2009-10 season rehabbing that injury. Houston’s on-court product predictably suffered, as they went 42-40 that year and missed the playoffs. His return the next season didn’t last long either, as a stress fracture in his left ankle limited him to just five games before he decided to retire in July 2011.
Yao is a Hall of Famer for his play on the floor and his impact on the NBA’s international reach, but fans will always wonder how much better he could have been if he stayed healthy.