Houston Rockets' Yao Ming Pondering Retirement

Yao Ming may just play one more season. That is if his nagging foot injury doesn't fully heal. He has disclosed this during an interiew while promoting a charity event in China. He missed the whole of last season as the Rockets also missed the playoffs after finishing the 2010 season with a 42-40 record.

It is quite sad to see such talent leave the game while he is still considered one of the league's best big men. At 7 fee and 6 inches, he has great all-around skills but as luck would have it, the Rockets never made it deep into the playoffs in the past. Maybe not with Tracy McGrady hogging the ball, running down the clock until the shotclock makes him take forced shots. Besides, Yao and T-Mac never got to play a lot of games together as they were sidelined by injuries one after another.

Now that the Rockets seem to have a better lineup next year with unselfish players, it would be interesting to see how Yao and the Rockets perform next season. Kevin Martin may be less talented than T-Mac but he should be a better fit for Yao. Trevor Ariza and Shane Battier are solid defenders. Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry have just been re-signed. Aaron Brooks continues to improve while there are young and promising players in Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill. Add to this already formidable lineup new acquisition Brad Miller who can offload some minutes from Yao.

The Rockets should have a better season with a better roster. If this will be Yao's final season, I just hope they make it all the way to the finals and get that elusive NBA ring.