What Can the Houston Rockets Do To Salvage the Season If Yao Is Done?

The news from Yahoo Sports, if true, is a crushing blow to the Houston Rockets.

Yao Ming's left foot hasn't not just healed, but it now could force him to miss next season, and even worse, for the rest of his career. Team physical Tom Clanton told the Houston Chronicle that the 7'6" All-Star center could miss next season and that his injury "could be career threatening."

The Rockets are hopeful that a second opinion from another doctor may make the situation not as bad as they are looking. They are hopeful that by keeping Yao's foot in a boot could help heal the broken bone, but the initial prediction was for the bone to have been healed already.

It might take the same surgery that Cleveland's Zydrunas Ilgauskas had, but that kept him out of action for almost two seasons.

This is the worst news that the Rockets could get. Already waiting on Tracy McGrady to get healthy, and to hear news that Yao may not play could ruin any chances the Rockets had of contending for a championship this year.

But that's where a big free agent or trade could change the direction of the team. The Rockets have proved to be a good team without T-Mac or Yao, but needs someone over 6'10" to get rebounds and high-percentage shots.

If Yao is done for next season, then it's up to Rockets GM Daryl Morey to get a big-name center or trade for one to fill Yao's spot.

You can see my short list for who Houston should go after here.

But I totally think Morey will keep the team he has intact as much as possible, even if Yao is done for the season. Plus, it seems more like McGrady has become more valuable than he was a few weeks ago.

He has been in the trade talks ever since the season ended, but teams have offered Houston nothing but overpaid players and no real value to help the Rockets to become better.

Now is the time for T-Mac to show he's a valuable player if he can fully recover from knee surgery. Especially if he wants to command a hefty contract for 2010 and beyond.

As for Yao, it looks like his playing for the Chinese over the last few summers have taken his toll on his career. He was anxious to play for his country in the Olympics last year, but the wear and tear on his body has deteriorated his play in the NBA. If his injury can be healed quickly, he still may be a strong player in this league.

But right now, his career is remembered for a lot of talent, but no durability.