Houston Rockets: Why They Should Trade Yao Ming
Yao Ming is one of the most recognizable figures in the NBA. He has been one of the most popular athletes since coming into the league seven years ago.
Although very productive when coming into the league and expected to be one of the best players in league history, the prospective Hall of Famer turned into one of the biggest busts in league history.
Here are some reasons it's time for Houston to part ways with the face of their franchise.
Getting Older
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Lets face it, Yao is starting to age. He has had numerous problems with his legs in the past and this will not get any better as he goes later into his career.
He will keep being more injury prone, and will never play a complete season without a serious injury. This is one reason to get rid of him.
Lack Of Productivity
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Ming has always been renowned because of his size and his ability to play some great defense. This has not been the case this season thus far.
When he is playing, he is only averaging a single block per game and is simply not performing well. With only 10 points per game and one block, it just doesn't seem like he is being that productive.
High Salary
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Ming's salary is pretty huge. He is projected to make $17 million in 2011, which is ridiculous for his lack of productivity.
The Rockets could use that cap room to get a young guy that would do them better under the hoop.
A Changing Game
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The NBA is changing. A man the size of Ming is almost a disadvantage on the court. It's better to have a more athletic, smaller player than have a guy that can hardly move up and down the court.
The Rockets could gain a great deal by getting someone who was more athletic on the inside of make baskets and play high-powered defense.
Pawn Him Off Before You Lose Him to Free Agency
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It's always better to get rid of a player you aren't going to be able to re-sign in free agency and get something for him rather than nothing at all.
I can see Yao in Cleveland's future. Getting rid of him while he is hot is something that is always good too. Although the game is changing, it's hard to pass up a 7'6", 310-pound man as your center.
It's Just Time
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It's time Houston moves on from Yao.
He has been the face of the franchise, but sometimes you just need to part ways. Now is a better time than any to get rid of a guy who has been less than great for you in the past few years, and getting rid of him before he gets hurt again would be a plus.
