Yao Ming opts in, stays in Houston

[hpantazo]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5339517

First Dirk decides, now Yao. Pierce should be announcing his decision any time now.
Looks like Yao's not too worried about the upcoming CBA and lockout. Even coming back from injury, he could have landed a big contract if he would have opted out.

[Chris]

Least shocking news ever.  Given his health situation, there was no way he was opting out. 

I will say though, if Pierce and Allen walk, I think a very intriguing deal could be KG for Yao.  They would get a guy who probably fits their system a little better in KG, and probably gives them a decent chance at making some noise in the playoffs.  And the C's get a high risk, high reward guy, who worst case scenario comes off the books next summer, best case scenario is a future building block.

[Prof. Clutch]

What's the status on Yao and his injury?  Will he play next season?

[hpantazo]

Least shocking news ever.  Given his health situation, there was no way he was opting out. 

I will say though, if Pierce and Allen walk, I think a very intriguing deal could be KG for Yao.  They would get a guy who probably fits their system a little better in KG, and probably gives them a decent chance at making some noise in the playoffs.  And the C's get a high risk, high reward guy, who worst case scenario comes off the books next summer, best case scenario is a future building block.

not a bad idea. It would certainly give us more length and rebounding. Yao could clog the middle and start fast breaks to Rondo with outlet passes, and then give us a legit post up threat.

[hpantazo]

What's the status on Yao and his injury?  Will he play next season?

supposedly, he will be 100% come training camp:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ioglAPR4m5CkkGfI6lllWHEI3u3wD9GL4EA80

C Yao Ming coming back to Rockets, foot healed
By CHRIS DUNCAN (AP) – 1 hour ago
HOUSTON — Yao Ming is returning to the Houston Rockets.
The 7-foot-6 All-Star center said Tuesday that he has picked up his player option for next season, the last year of his five-year contract. Yao sat out last season following reconstructive foot surgery, and said he wanted to see how his foot recovered before making his decision.
Yao says he's resumed basketball activities and should be 100 percent when training camp begins.
If he had turned down the player option, Yao would've become an unrestricted free agent on Thursday. He is due to make $17.7 million next season. Yao and general manager Daryl Morey would not say if the two sides are working on an extension.
The Rockets selected Yao with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft.


who knows? Big Z held up well after his early foot problems.

[Birdbrain]

Too bad we couldn't get Yi to go with Yao, what an intimidating duo that would be for interior players to migrate through....Maybe throw in the Yi's chair as well.

[Chris]

Too bad we couldn't get Yi to go with Yao, what an intimidating duo that would be for interior players to migrate through....Maybe throw in the Yi's chair as well.

I am not sure where you are going with this one.  Yao is an excellent interior defender...Yi, not so much.

[hpantazo]

Too bad we couldn't get Yi to go with Yao, what an intimidating duo that would be for interior players to migrate through....Maybe throw in the Yi's chair as well.

I am not sure where you are going with this one.  Yao is an excellent interior defender...Yi, not so much.

Yea, I get the shot at Yi's defense, but Yao can play some solid D, no comparison.

[Birdbrain]

Too bad we couldn't get Yi to go with Yao, what an intimidating duo that would be for interior players to migrate through....Maybe throw in the Yi's chair as well.

I am not sure where you are going with this one.  Yao is an excellent interior defender...Yi, not so much.

Just some jocularity with the closeness of their names and origins and Yi being in the news today.  Well that and I'm not the biggest Yao fan either.  But you are correct about him being a very big obstacle in the lane.