Houston’s Giant Problem Might Be Solved

Yao threatened to burn down Beijing if not appeased

For the past 7 NBA seasons, the good citizens of Houston have lived in fear.  That fear stemmed from a 7 foot-6-inch giant who roamed the land and was seemingly incapable of winning playoff series.  Many assumed this monster would cast his long shadow over the city for years to come, but perhaps the winds of change are blowing.  Yao Ming’s broken foot will reportedly keep him out for a portion of next season, maybe even the entire year and could even be career ending. 

Before the villagers start their celebrations, however, they should remember that Tracy McGrady and his wicked $22-million contract still wreak havoc on their cap-space.  That evil could soon be banished as well, however. 

Soon, the Rockets could be playing an uptempo, crowd pleasing brand of basketball that will pack the arena until their inevitable ouster from the playoffs by the Lakers or Spurs.  So, aside from the style of play, nothing changes except the city of Houston will no longer be experiencing a rice shortage.  And produce will be more plentiful since people won’t have to throw their fruits and vegetables at T-Mac when they see him on the street. 

The Rockets are just a couple shrewd moves away from becoming a different, but still competitive and immensely more entertaining team, but now is a time for caution.  The loss of one giant can often bring the emergence of another.  And in these strange times, a trade for B.J. Mullens is actually a possibility.  If you thought a broken foot hampered NBA centers, wait until you see what the name B.J. Mullens does to them.   

Another downside to a possible Yao-exodus from the NBA would be felt in the All-Star Game.  All of China would have to vote for another of their countryman to represent them.  That would likely mean year after year of Yi Jianlian watering down the talent.  Nobody wants to see that.  Yi in the All-Star Game is like a diabetic in a pie eating contest.  He seems out of place and someone is bound to get hurt. 

So, after weighing the options, I’d have to say that while the Rockets may ultimately be better off without Yao, the NBA probably is not.  The NBA would be better off without many things, not the least of which is B.J. Mullens, but not Yao.

Tags: basketball, Houston Rockets, NBA, Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming

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