The Yao Ming Experiment Is Officially Over in Houston

Yahoo! Sports broke news today that the Rockets are saying franchise player Yao Ming could miss the entire 2009-2010 season, and maybe more.

The foot that has caused so many problems for Yao and the Rockets the past two seasons finally drove the dagger through the heart of the organization, as well as the fans'.

Expectations were high this season, and the Rockets were finally able to win a playoff series with Yao. The Rockets were expected to contend with the Lakers, and some even predicted a victory, but Yao injured the same foot that kept him out of the 2008 playoffs.

The team fought hard and displayed heart that I will never forget, giving fans a reason to look forward to next year. The news today destroyed any of those thoughts.

Entering the offseason, the team had high hopes for the 2009-2010 season. Although they had no picks in the draft, it was assumed the Rockets would trade Tracy McGrady for some solid talent and build around Yao and Ron Artest.

That plan has been foiled; time for plan B.

The Rockets now need to go out and get the only superstar post player on the market—Amar'e Stoudemire.

Trade talks between the two teams were already in motion before today, and now that Yao is going to miss at least a significant portion of next season, general manager Daryl Morey needs pull the trigger.

Rasheed Wallace should also be a top priority. With Yao Ming out, the Rockets have zero true centers on the roster. Even if they somehow manage to steal Amar'e from the Suns, they will still need help in the frontcourt.

I'm officially tired of Yao Ming. I've spent the last three seasons defending him, claiming he will come back the following season healthy and ready to bring a championship back to Houston.

I've come to the reality that will never happen. Yao Ming is done, and it is time to consider other alternatives.