via Yao expects to continue playing with Rockets | NBA Basketball | Chron.com – Houston Chronicle:
Facing the possibility that his inability to play without injury would end his career or prompt him to choose to retire, Yao said for the first time since his injury he hopes to come back from the stress fracture that ended his season in November.
The article goes on to quote Rockets general manager Daryl Morey and Rockets owner Les Alexander expressing their desire for Yao to return to the team.
Reading this piece, my only response is this: please hang it up, Yao. Look, he’s a great guy and such persistence in the face of an obstinate body is beyond admirable. I get that. But this franchise absolutely needs to move on. Even if he’s signed at the vet minimum as the 12th man, I don’t want him back; this franchise needs to move on. Both the fans and the other eleven guys are emotionally drained. One might argue that if given the most minuscule of roles, no dependence would be built, presenting a risk-free proposition. I don’t want even that; I’m tired of false hope; I’m tired of awaiting the inevitable. Yao Ming’s body simply cannot sustain the pounding of the NBA game and every further minute spent upon him holds this franchise back. It may come as cruel and cold-hearted but we’ve been hurt enough; thanks for the memories Yao, but please, hang it up.
‘Huq’s Pen’ is a column of musings written by Red94 founder/editor, Rahat Huq
