We should have seen it coming. Everyone else did. We didn’t want it to happen. He was going to lead us back. He already had one billion people on his back, what’s another 4 1/2 million? We all believed Yao was going to instantly make us title contenders. We doubted those who said he’ll just be another Rik Smits. Gheorge Muresan. Every other 7’4″ guy or taller. Eventually, foot problems hit them all.

Rockets are currently set to have over half of their payroll on crutches to start the season. Yao likely done for the year, as his foot has only gotten WORSE over the past 2 months. T-Mac and the microfracture surgery won’t be ready anytime soon. Our current one/two punch is Luis Scola and Aaron Brooks. Good players, but not ready to be the main options on this team for a full season. No one else on the team that looks to be ready to become that next great player.

The only real hope I have right now is that Daryl Morey, Mr. Jedi Master himself, is currently steering the ship. He might be able to salvage something out of what looks to be another “Francis migraine”-esque 28-54 season. Granted, we have better players than Juaquin Hawkins, Jason Collier, and Eddie Griffin, (aka Final Destination: Rockets edition) but a team with no one to lead them no less. Maybe we re-sign Artest, who knows at this point. I think if Yao is done, and there’s no T-Mac or a trade for someone with his expiring contract, bringing Artest back is pointless. He’s supposed to be a missing piece, not the #1 option.

It’s gonna be a long offseason, hope Morey can work his magic again.

On that note, speaking of disappointments, I’m just about to head to the theatre to watch Transformers 2. This may not end well. We’ll see.