Today, ESPN reported that Yao Ming may be coming back sooner than anyone expected. Apparently Houston's GM spoke to the media saying that he is progressing in treatment, and that his injury does not look to be career-ending. He also says that although its not for sure that he could participate in the 2009-2010 season, it is not ruled out and depending on the rest of Ming's recovery, he could very well be back in the game this upcoming season.
I guess this is good news but does anyone care? This is the part where my blog gets personal...
I am not an evil person and as a rule I try not to judge people I don't know. However, I can honestly say that Yao Ming is one of my least favorite NBA players and although I would never wish injury or ilness on anyone, the news of his possible return to the Rockets this season made me feel nothing. Not only do I not follow the Rockets, mainly because of Yao Ming being on the team, but I could care less if he ever plays basketball again.
First of all, it is his own fault for bringing on this injury. I watched the game during which it happened and both his coach and teammates repeatedly told him that he should sit down, as he could barely walk let alone run. Before anyone even said he was in pain it was easy to see something was wrong. He was limping with a face full of agony, and while everyone was on one side of the court, Ming was struggling to even make it halfway there. He has had numerous foot injuries in the past and in my opinion should have known better. I understand wanting to give a game your all, and feeling bad about having to quit, but when it is a matter of health, one must use their brain. Not only is he now in severe pain and having to deal with all the annoyances of having an injury, but instead of just missing less than a quarter of a single game, he may have to miss a whole season (plus what he missed after his injury during the last one). His stubbornness is not attractive, nor does it add to the team. And if I were anyone in his camp, I would be quite angry at him right now.
Second of all, he is not a good player. At all. The truth of the matter is that the only skill he has comes from his God-given size. He doesn't hit any amazing shots or make any amazing plays. He simply slightly extends his arm anytime he wants to make a basket and in the ball goes. That does not take practice. That does not take planning. That is sheer science. His size is the only reason why he makes baskets. And as for defensive skills...well, do I really have to go into that? They don't call him the Great Wall of China for nothing. All he has to do is stand there and he has created an impossible situation for the player trying to get through or pass the ball. Once again, that is not skill. That is size being on his side.
He has averaged 19.1 points and 9.3 rebounds in his career, which no doubt looks good on paper, but does anyone think about that when they see him play? Because I sure don't. All I see is a confused giant, roaming around the court with his hands up in the air just in case the ball is anywhere near him at the moment. He is nor graceful nor powerful, aggressive nor tender, spotlight stealing nor behind the scenes worthy. He has no personality and is not at all a pleasure to watch. Yao Ming, in my opinion, is a waste of a draft pick. And though I do wish him the best in his recovery, I am not looking forward to him returning to the game. Because to me, the game is better without him.
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