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Considering the NBA's Houston Rockets have advanced in the playoffs only once since they acquired superstar center Yao Ming seven years ago, it's hard to say that the possibility that the injured Chinese giant has played his last game could drastically alter the balance of power in the league.
But it sure throws open a lot of questions.
For starters, the Rockets must figure out how to approach free agency, uncertain whether Yao's broken foot ever will heal, yet still owing him $34 million for the final two years of his contract -- and with next summer's superstar free-agent class looming. What they or prospective players decide could influence innumerable other shifts and moves around the league -- soooo ... is Ron Artest available? -- while the entire NBA could feel an impact if it loses a player who has become practically the face of its expanding international presence.
"The league needs stars," said Utah coach Jim Boylen, a former Rockets assistant coach, "and he's a star."
General manager Daryl Morey had declared Yao the "cornerstone" of the franchise around whom the Rockets would build toward a championship, but he has kept quiet since a team doctor speculated that the injury might keep Yao from ever playing again, saying the Rockets would not comment "until we have all the facts."
Doctors are pursuing various medical options, and team physician Tom Clanton said that treatment options more conservative than potentially
Yao had been considered worthy of a maximum-salary extension if he opts out of his contract after next season, but that might change given the trouble he has had overcoming injuries. And that might put the Rockets in the free-agent market for a replacement -- temporary or otherwise -- which could affect the Jazz if they are forced to pursue a replacement center of their own.
It might also affect the Rockets' thinking on Tracy McGrady, who's recovering from knee surgery and owed $22.5 million for the final year of his contract next season. At least, the Rockets don't seem to have lost their chance to re-sign Artest, whose agent told the Houston Chronicle that Yao's injury hasn't changed his client's desire to return to the team.
"He wants to come back to Houston," agent David Bauman said. "That's his first choice."
But will the Rockets want Artest for the long term, now?
If Yao is forced to miss next season, the Rockets could request a salary-cap exception that would allow them sign a replacement player for the mid-level exception, which was $5.6 million last year. But that could force them to pay the luxury tax and potentially overpay for what might amount to a backup center, if Yao can ultimately return.
And while the loss of Yao surely will disappoint many international fans and perhaps cool some interest in his native China, the marketing director of the firm that represents the Jazz's Deron Williams said Yao already has "opened so many doors" globally that the NBA might not suffer much.
Stephen Wright of McLaren Sports in Houston noted that while Yao is a national hero in China, the top-selling NBA jersey there belongs to Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.
"He has opened paths for other guys," Wright said.
