As a Houstonian and a lifelong Rockets fans this was obviously devastating news.
It is becoming an all too common occurrence and names like Rik Smits, Sam Bowie, and Mark Eaton are starting to become the ones whom you're imagining Yao's career to emulate. It doesn't get any better that he'll most likely rush back so that he can play for China in the Olympics and be in shambles when training camp starts.
The Rockets went 20-12 without Yao a year ago during the regular season and this year's team is quite a bit more talented. Thankfully Rick Adelman has developed Carl Landry a lot more than a guy like Van Gundy would have, but it's tough to imagine Landry, Luis Scola, and Chuck Hayes can come close to matching the productivity you just lost.
I still think the Rockets will make the playoffs because Denver is a dysfunctional team that can't win road games. You also have to imagine New Orleans is coming back to the pack as they have lost three in a row, have two tough games coming up and close with 14 of 21 on the road. I don't think they'll miss the playoffs altogether but may get dicey.
So congrats Lakers/Spurs fans, you just had one potential nuisance bumped off.
NT
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