Yao's out, but for how long?
By Yu Nan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2006-04-13 17:06
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming broke his left foot in the first quarter when
Mehmet Okur of the Utah Jazz stepped on it during a game on the Jazz's home turf
on Monday.
It has been confirmed that Yao will miss the rest of the NBA season.
![Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, of China, leaves the locker room after his team's NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, April 10, 2006, in Salt Lake City. Yao broke his left foot in the first quarter. The Jazz beat the Rockets, 85-83. [AP Photo]](xin_2604031115341173089035.jpg)
Houston Rockets center
Yao Ming, of China, leaves the locker room after his team's NBA basketball
game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, April 10, 2006, in Salt Lake City.
Yao broke his left foot in the first quarter. The Jazz beat the Rockets,
85-83. [AP] | Yao will go under the knife for the
second time this season on Friday when a pin will be inserted to help the bone
heal, according to an announcement posted yesterday on the Rockets official
website.
The statement also said Yao is expected to push ahead with his rehab in order
to play for the World Championship in August in Japan, but the injury could
linger if it doesn't heal completely.
Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said an MRI performed in Houston on
Tuesday showed a fracture in the fifth metatarsal bone of Yao's foot.
"It can be fixed two ways," Dawson said. "You could just put a cast on it,
but it takes forever. The thing most people do is to have surgery."
Dawson also told the press Yao's injury could take four to six months to
heal.
Yao's NBA agent Zhang Mingji said the time necessary for Yao to heal may be
"slightly exaggerated." "But I can't get more accurate information until the
doctor's make a final diagnosis," Zhang said.
Zhang said Yao hoped to return to China as soon as possible to recuperate but
is waiting for a green light from doctors.
More than four months' off the court may prevent Yao from playing in the FIBA
World Championship in Japan, which begins August 19.
Without Yao, the Chinese National Basketball Team may have to give up hope of
ascending to the medal round in the tournament.
Chinese Basketball Management Center vice director Hu Jiashi said the center
is withholding comment on Yao's extended leave from basketball until the length
of his recovery period has been confirmed.
"I think the Associated Press may have reported an inaccurate amount of time
for Yao to heal," Hu said. "It should have been six weeks instead of six
months."
|