Losing Yao Ming Would Be Devastating for the NBA

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Imagine a country losing its national hero; it's a realization that a nation of billions might have to face.

Yao Ming, who had suffered a broken left foot over a year ago, has now had the injury deemed more serious than it was. There is a fear that the All-Star center will not only miss a season, but his blossoming career might be over.

While it is not confirmed by the Rockets' organization, it was said that a consensus opinion will be needed to truly understand the evaluation of Yao's recovering foot.

Much to everyone's knowledge, Yao was out for the last four games of the conference semifinals against the L.A. Lakers this past postseason. His numbers were down from 2008, where he averaged 22 points per game. He averaged under 20 last year with a decrease in rebounds as well.

Yao and the Rockets are all too familiar with injuries. He hasn't had a full season since the 2003-2004 season, which was only his second in the league. Year after year, Houston succumbs late in the season due to injuries to their star players such as Yao and Tracy McGrady.

While the city of Houston is shocked to hear the news and is on edge waiting to hear the full evaluation and diagnosis of the 7'6'' Chinese icon, there is a more serious situation that could impact the entire NBA for years to come and the problem is in China.

There are two loves of the Chinese people in the basketball world. They are Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming. The only difference between the two is that Yao is a native citizen of China and is the first player from there to succeed in the NBA.

The United States is made up of roughly 300 million people and about 40 million people watch the NBA. China is made up of one billion people and every last one of them can tell you about Yao Ming. He is the hero of the country and has made basketball the number one sport to play.

Michael Jordan to the United States is Yao Ming to China.

With ratings already down, the loss of Yao to the league could cause a drop off of epic proportions. When MJ left the league, ratings deteriorated with viewers trying to find a new form of entertainment to fill their lives.

The question now, is if Yao's injury is that severe to cause him to leave the league, could a nation of billions turn off their TV's?

Not only that, but how will the city of Houston react?

For years he has been the centerpiece to the team, and with an already injury plagued team and Ron Artest a free agent, the team could be in the same position it was in during 2001-2002 year.

Yao is just getting into his prime at the age of 28 now, and is regarded as one of the most intimidating figures, shot blockers, rebounders, and scorers in the league. But as the world sees it now, a national icon could be lost.

Houston could be in a relm of obscurity for years to come. The NBA will lose hundreds of thousands of viewers, but most importantly a nation of billions will lose its hero.

The NBA cannot afford to lose Yao. Not now, not ever.

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