Yao Ming: The Great Wall Of Houston

Boy have the mighty fallen in Houston. Yao Ming, the 7'6" superstar, could potentially be facing a career ending injury. Ming, who was injured in Game 3 of the Western Conference second round, injured his left foot.

At first Ming was looking at a return to the Rockets for the 2009-2010 season. Now, next season even looks bleak. His ankles are weak and cannot stabilize his 7'6" monstrous body.

Now What for Houston...

With Yao Ming most likely out for next season, I was curious to look deeper into next season for Houston. The Rockets cannot, and will not win the NBA title, let alone the Western Conference with Dikembe Mutombo or Luis Scola leading the way for big men. Besides these two bigs, the Rockets are a very undersized team that slowly got worn down by the size of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2009 NBA Playoffs.

I've got two names in mind for the Houston Rockets that could solidify their team for a run at a title or two.

1. Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz. He is a big man who can bang in the low post and is quietly a great passer. With T-Mac, Artest, and Boozer in 2009-2010, the Rockets could threaten.

2. Jermaine O'Neal, Toronto Raptors. O'Neal would be a cheaper price for the Rockets and could be signed as a fill in for a year or two in hopes that Yao Ming can return. This move would give the Rockets a proven veteran, the downside of O'Neal is that he is also injury prone.

Either way, next season is going to need some changes for Houston. With this roster the Rockets can have fun as a one and done in the playoffs. If they sign a big man, the Rockets can stir up the pot like they proved they can do last year. Until then...the Rocket organization must find a way to repair The Great Wall of Houston.