Yao Ming's Stress Fracture Clouds His NBA Future

Filed under: Rockets, NBA Injuries

Yao Ming has a stress fracture in his left ankle, the Houston Rockets confirmed Thursday. An MRI performed Thursday revealed the injury.

Yao has appeared in only five games this season, and hasn't played since Nov. 10, due to what was originally termed a bone bruise in the same ankle. In fact, Yao's left foot has been a constant source of frustration and agony for the 7-foot-6 center, who missed all of last season with a broken bone in the same foot.

Somewhat ironically, the revelation of Yao's injury occured on the same day as the NBA's announcement that he's leading all Western Conference centers in All-Star votes. He has 430,984 votes, more than twice as many as Andrew Bynum (198,044), the West's next leading vote-getter at center.

There is no timetable for Yao's return, but given his recent history, it's very possible he'll miss the remainder of the season. And if that's the case, it's also possible that he's already played his last game in the NBA. Yao has admitted in the past to contemplating retirement should his injuries continue, and considering the fact that he's in the final year of his contract, there's no obligation for him to attempt yet another grueling comeback.

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