Yao Officially Retiring Tomorrow

It's a shame that injuries forced Yao Ming's hand into retiring. It also sucks that Yao Ming's career will be surrounded by "ifs". He is 7-foot-6, played eight seasons for Houston, but has missed 250 regular-season games over the past six years.

He was an 8 time all star, selected 1st by the Rockets in 2002, and averaged 19 points and 9 board a game. Unlike most big men he was a good mid range and free throw shooter as well. When he first came into the league it was awesome watching him play, some of the greatest games were watching him and Shaq play. But that Rockets team just seemed cursed, between him and Tracy McGrady, no one could stay on the court long enough to do damage, and that's why they could never get passed the 2nd round.

However, unlike many analysts, I don't believe he belongs in the Hall of Fame. He may have been an international icon, but he hasn't played enough. At the end of the day he will be another foreign born huge guy who's health got the best of him. I always rooted for him to come back and even this offseason I was thinking maybe the Celtics could get him on some type of Shaq like deal. Again it's a shame that at 30 he has to retire and his career has came down to "ifs".

Sounds Like Kevin McHale Got The Rockets Job

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports via sources, "after a strong final push in the interview process, McHale has emerged as the frontrunner for Rockets coaching job."

Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD also offered this on Sunday: "It sounds like McHale will be the Houston Rockets' next coach. I'd be surprised if they went in a different direction at this point (ESPN)."

Good news for the Celtics as Lawrence Frank interviewed for this job. Obviously I would rather Frank stay with the Celtics, as it would be two years in a row the Celtics would be looking for a lead assistant coach. Also, who knows maybe McHale can do us more favors like he did when he gave us KG.

Looks Like Celtics Are Losing Another Assistant Coach

"Celtics assistant coach Lawrence Frank interviewed for the vacant Rockets head coaching position for a second time, according to the local FOX affiliate in Houston. Frank, Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey and Celtics Hall of Famer Kevin McHale are reportedly the three finalists to get the job (WEEI)."

The Celtics were the top defensive team in the NBA this year, so it's not shocking that Frank is being pursued by another team. This happens when you have success, because everyone wants to copy you. Look at what happens to the Patriots year in and year out. Luckily Doc Rivers is staying and has like 200 assistant coaches, so I'm not too worried about it.

Rick Adelman Out As Coach Of The Rockets

Speaking of a guy with an unlucky coaching tenure. Figuring he had to deal with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming constantly being injured he did a real good job. Rick went 193-135 in four seasons with the Rockets. The .588 winning percentage was the highest among the 11 full-time coaches the franchise has had. Adelman led the Rockets to their only playoff series victory since 1997. His career record is 945-616 and ranks eighth in all-time wins.

The reason why this is important? Because Doc is most likely going to leave after this year and so it's fun to look at plan Bs. We've heard the name Jerry Sloan, Lawrence Frank and I think you can add Rick Adelman to that too.

Marc Stein: Celtics, Rockets discuss Battier deal

He has a salary of 7.4 million dollars and has an expiring contract and a veteran perimeter defender thats a small forward. That's everything we possibly need moving forward, the only problem is that we have limited resources to move. Maybe we can use Jermaine O'Neal or Quisy, Avery Bradley and 1st pick to wiggle him out of Houston, but I still don't know if thats enough.

Out of all the names we are hearing out of James Posey, Anthony Parker and Shane Battier, Battier excites me the most. He fits the Celtics mold of a defensive minded guy who can score if needed too and a hard worker. Exactly what we need.

108 Rockets, 102 Celtics

"I told our guys I thought overall it was probably our worst defensive effort in three, four years as far as overall effort" Doc Rivers "You know - and it's on the starters, it's not on the second unit - I thought our second unit actually got us back in the first half and in the second half, and all they did was came in and played hard. They played aggressive."

"I agree, I wont say it's the worst [defensive effort], I thought there was just a stretch where we just couldn't stop anybody," Ray Allen admitted. "I blame the starting five because we gave them too much confidence early. That fourth quarter stretch came where it seemed like they hit everything."

I couldn't watch the game because I was watching Auburn vs Oregon. But it seems as if the Celtics just stunk yesterday. Aaron Brooks paced the Rockets with 24 points but this was a well balanced effort from Houston with all 7 players in double figures.

I'm glad that I didn't watch the game because everything I have read about it seems like this is the worst loss of the season and reminded everyone of the OK City game without Durant.

Celtics vs Houston Preview

Depth Chart

	Houston (PPG)	Boston (PPG)
PG	K. Lowry 10.3	R. Rondo 10.7
SG	K. Martin 23.2	R. Allen 17.5
SF	S. Battier 8.6	P. Pierce 19.1
PF	L. Scola 19.3	G. Davis 12.6
C	J. Hill 6.7	S. O'Neal 9.9

The Celtics look to bounce back after a crushing defeat against the Bulls and i think the slap stick Rockets are the perfect target. No disrespect to the Rockets and there are people I like on their team, but the combination of Rondo, Pierce and Allen are too much for them.

The Rockets, 6-14 on the road and Boston is incredibly comfortable at home. Shaq should be able to hold his own against Jordan Hill and Rondo will dominate Kyle Lowry.

Celtics Win 106-92
Tommy Award: Rondo

Poor Yao Ming

"Yao Ming missed all of last season with a foot injury. And due to an ankle injury, he's only played in five games this season. And now comes word from Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle that Ming has a stress fracture in his ankle -- with speculation his career might be over.

"Ming with another stress fracture in his left ankle," he tweeted. "Not in same bone, but same ankle. Wondering now if he'll ever return ... Previous tests did not show the fracture. MRI on Thursday showed the injury ... Yao said the obvious in summer. If can't stay healthy, can't keep playing. Is it over?"

For now, Yao's injury will have him out indefinitely (ESPN)."

You have to feel for this guy. He could've been one of the best centers in the game, but now I am not sure we will ever see him on an NBA court again. The Rockets franchise is one big "what if". What if McGrady was ever able to stay healthy? What if Yao Ming was ever to stay healthy? What if McGrady and Yao Ming actually got to play together.

Well, I guess shit happens, and the Rockets franchise is going to take a while to be relevant again.

NBA Trade That Makes Me Hate The Lakers Slightly Less

The New Jersey Nets agreed to trade Terrence Williams to the Houston Rockets in a three-way deal that will land them Los Angeles Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic and a pair of first-round draft picks, sources confirmed to ESPN.com on Tuesday.

The trade, which has been agreed upon in principle, will also send Nets veteran power forward Joe Smith to the Lakers, while New Jersey will receive Los Angeles' 2011 first-round pick and Houston's 2012 lottery-protected first-rounder, sources said. ESPN

I hate Sasha Vag i chick, He's such a square, I hated the fact he got to celebrate when the Lakers beat the Celtics last year. Now I get to watch him cry on the bench when the Celtics roll on the Nets every year.

I like Terrence Williams, I thought he was going to be good when the Nets got him from Louisville. However, I'm going to chalk it up to a "bad situation" before I call him a bust. He may be able to excel in Houston.

Joe Smith will be good depth on the Lakers in case Andrew Bynum goes down again and because Lamar Odom and Poopface are playing 80 minutes a night.

A Bunch Of Teams Make Deals In The NBA

The New Orleans Hornets acquired Trevor Ariza(notes) Wednesday in a four-team, five-player trade that also sends point guard Darren Collison(notes) to the Indiana Pacers, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The deal also sends Pacers forward Troy Murphy(notes) to the New Jersey Nets and Nets guard Courtney Lee(notes) to the Houston Rockets. In addition to landing Collison – the young point guard they’ve been searching for all offseason – the Pacers also have to take on forward James Posey(notes), who has two years and $13.5 million remaining on his contract.

Ok for you stupid perople:
Houston Rockets
Coming: Courtney Lee
Going: Trevor Ariza

New Orleans Hornets
Coming: Trevor Ariza
Going: Darren Collison and James Posey

Indiana Pacers
Coming: Darren Collison and James Posey
Going: Troy Murphy


New Jersey Nets
Coming: Troy Murphy
Going: Courtney Lee

I don't get this deal for New Orleans or New Jersey but I think the Rockets and Pacers got off like bandits. Darren Collison averaged 12 points and 6 assists his rookie season in New Orleans and was the best player traded in this deal. It seems they were so eager to trade Posey's contract that they undersold Collison as part of a salary dump. They need to realize that as soon as Chris Paul's contract is up, he is skipping town and they will be left with a big hole at the PG position. Meanwhile Posey and Ariza are interchangeable (even though Posey has been dreadful in NO). The Rockets get a young guard in Courtney Lee who can start or come off the bench.

What aggrivated me the most about this deal is why didn't the Celtics try and trade Sheed for any of these players. Ariza, Lee, Posey/Collison would have all been great additions to the team. There is also a possibility that Posey gets waived and comes back home.

Kevin Martin to Rockets. McGrady to Knicks?

The deal will send Kevin Martin, Kenny Thomas, Hilton Armstrong and Sergio Rodriguez to the Rockets for McGrady, Sixth Man Award contender Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that McGrady and Rodriguez would be sent to the Knicks in a three-team scenario sure to feature New York's Jared Jeffries if it comes to fruition.

This is a home run for the Kings who not only get rid of Martin, who will slow the progress of Tyreke Evans but get Carl Landry who has Mr. Sixth man. I have never really been a Martin fan, so I don't like the deal for the Rockets. I'm also happy for McGrady if he goes to the Knicks. Not because I think he will make a lick of difference, but because I just want to see T Mac highlights. I feel bad how Houston has basically shunned him all year, and respect McGrady for keeping his mouth pretty much shut. None of these teams will be doing anything in the playoffs, so this deal is kind of irrelevant.

McGrady To Knicks Getting Close

The Knicks would get a package centered around McGrady in exchange for Jared Jeffries, Larry Hughes, Jordan Hill and draft pick considerations (like swapping picks in the 2011 draft). The Bulls are apparently in on the McGrady bidding too, but most sources say the Knicks are a lot closer.

I have no idea what McGrady has left in the tank, but in the Knicks eyes it really doesn't matter. All they are concerned about is freeing up cap space for this summer, so that can sign 2 max salary type of players. The Knicks apparently are so determined to complete their plan of creating enough flexibility this summer that they are willing to include their own 2012 first-round pick (they don't have a 2010 pick, because they are fucking stupid and traded for Marbury).

This story should develop throughout the day, so we'll keep you posted...

McGrady To Finally Find A Way Out Of Houston?

I really do feel bad for McGrady. Well, as much as I can for a guy making the money he does, but it seems like all he wants to do is play ball. He might get his wish soon as the Wizards, Rockets, and Knicks are talking a 3 team deal. These teams have discussed a trade that would send McGrady to New York, Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood to Houston, and Al Harrington to the Wizards.

I like this deal for Houston, because they are getting a lot in return for basically nothing. I have no idea why the Knicks would do this deal, because it really doesn't give them anymore cap relief, so unless they think McGrady has enough in the tank for a playoff push I really don't see any reason for them to jump on this.

More T-Mac Drama

Tracy McGrady has been cleared to take an indefinite leave from the Houston Rockets after the former All-Star's representatives and Rockets management agreed to work together in search of a trade for the disgruntled guard, according to sources close to the situation. ESPN

It will be very difficult to trade McGrady due to his salary and injury history, I just really hope that he doesn't end up in the East on Cleveland or somebody like that. I like T- Mac and think he could be effective, but like Allen Iverson he needs to realize he's not young anymore and he needs to realize he's not a 30 shot attempt per game type of guy. The best thing for both parties would be if they we able to move him. The Rockets seem to be gelling the way they are and T- Mac could re-emerge as a solid player.

McGrady Remains On Schedule

"The Houston Chronicle reports Tracy McGrady went through brief portions of Sunday's scrimmages, playing roughly the same amount of time as in his previous participation in practice last Sunday. There has been no change in McGrady's timetable to return full-time to practices, with an MRI planned for Nov. 23 (ESPN)."

Even when he returns I do not expect much from McGrady anymore. He is a guy I will always feel bad for, but then again I just feel bad for the whole Houston team. Basically the Rockets are just waiting to get this guy off the books...

Yao Injury Update

"Eight weeks after major surgery on his left foot Yao Ming told FOX 26 Sports Wednesday he is encouraged by what the doctors are telling him after they viewed images that indicate he is healing properly.

"The picture looks good," Yao said. "The bones heal well. The big bone heals well. That's good news. It helps my mind. "The key bone, (the tarsal) navicular, they will do testing later, but not that day."

Yao said there is no chance he will be able to play during the upcoming season.

"The answer is no," Yao said. "You don't want to rush it, because they want it to totally heal this time. I have been in this situation enough (ESPN)."

Well the good news is that his career isn't over, and he will be able to play in 2010. It just sucks that every time this guy gets it going his legs/feet fail him. This is going to be one of those guys that you look back on and think what might have been. If I was him I would ditch the Rockets they are nothing but terrible luck for anyone who plays for them...

Yao Back This Season?

"Yao Ming's return from foot surgery might come sooner than anyone expected. In an interview with ESPN The Magazine's Sam Alipour, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said Yao could return at some point in the 2009-10 season and the team no longer feels his broken left foot is a career-threatening injury. "Yao Ming is progressing well. I don't think that [a career-ending scenario] is something that will happen, based on what I'm hearing from the doctors," Morey told Alipour. "They do know that the bone will heal and he'll get back on it. And they have not actually ruled out [his return] this season. I think that's less likely than likely, but they haven't ruled it out. "And next season, the outlook is very good. He just took off the cast for a short period [two weeks ago], so the doctors could examine it, and everything is going well. Everything is on track (ESPN)."

this is a complete 180 from the talk that was going on when he decided to have surgery. I don't know how much I believe all this, but I hope it is true, because the Rockets have had just terrible luck with injuries. Yao really looked like he was finally becoming a top player in the NBA, but every time he gets it rolling his feet ruin it for him. We'll see how this sudden optimistic view goes, but at least the Rockets are finally getting some encouraging news.

Yao Opts For Surgery

"Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has elected to have extensive surgery on his fractured left foot that almost certainly eliminates his chances of playing next season but offers hope that he can resume his NBA career and not fracture the foot a career-ending third time. After consultation with a battery of doctors, Yao, 28, has decided to undergo a bone graft to heal the existing fracture and have his arch surgically lowered to reduce the stress on his foot (ESPN)."

Smart move by Yao. The whole wait and see if it heals itself never made much sense to me. Ilgauskas went through the same procedure a couple years ago, and was able to battle his way back, so hopefully Yao can do the same. Yao will miss all of next season, but at least now there is hope he might be able to continue his career the following season.

Yao's Career Over?

"It was odd to hear that the Rockets were aggressively trying to acquire a high first-round pick in last week's NBA draft, offering such core names as Aaron Brooks, Shane Battier, and Carl Landry. Now we know why. Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the Rockets are gravely concerned that their franchise center, Yao Ming, could miss all of the 2009-10 season because his fractured left foot isn't healing properly. The situation is so serious, according to the report, that Houston officials are privately wondering if Yao will ever play again (Sportsline)."

This is really chocking news. I knew the injury was serious, but I thought he would be ready for nest season. Now it seems like they aren't sure if he will ever be able to play again. The Rockets have gone through so many injuries with not just Yao, but McGrady too. This would be devastating to the Rockets, who always seem to be on the verge of doing something special before injuries kick in. We will have more on this as it develops, but you might see the Rockets blowup this team if Yao is really done, and start from scratch.

95 Rockets, 80 Lakers

God damn they have heart.

Fuck Kobe. Fuck Gasol. Fuck Odom. Fuck Bynum. Fuck Vujacic.