by Timmy Duncan

Created on: May 28, 2010   Last Updated: May 31, 2010

The 2009 offseason did not start out well for the Houston Rockets or their fans. After watching their leader and the center of all their hopes for another title, Yao Ming, succumb to a foot injury in the second round of the 2009 playoffs, the fans could only hope that this injury would not be as serious as some in the center’s past.

It is hard to forget the image of an emotional Yao Ming reluctantly hobbling off the court for what would be his last game that season.

Though the elimination from the playoffs was disappointing, the hope was that Ming could recover in the offseason and return healthy for the start of the following season.

Those hopes were dashed, however, when reports surfaced that Ming would miss the entirety of the 2009 – 2010 season with a serious injury.

The Houston Rockets front office was faced with some tough choices. Their bench had stepped up admirably in the playoffs and surprised everyone with their tough and gutsy play.

Management was left to wonder if they should keep the team as it was and call the season a wash, or seek to upgrade and make a run.

Also in the balance was Tracy McGrady who had surprised everyone by reporting that he needed microfracture surgery on his knee when he thought that his team might be trying to trade him.

The Rockets were uncertain when McGrady could return or even if the team wanted to reintegrate him into the lineup once he was medically cleared to play.

The team elected to allow Ron Artest to walk away, despite his admirable play during the post season, and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets, in return, made an offer to Los Angeles Lakers small forward, Trevor Ariza to fill the void left by Ron Artest.

In addition, the Rockets hoped to capitalize on the strong play of backup players Shane Battier, Anthony Scola and Aaron Brooks.

It is hard not to feel for the Houston Rocket fanbase. After having their hopes lifted by the incredible gifts and talents of Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, they have been repeatedly disappointed over the years by their star players inability to remain healthy.

One has to hope that, for their sake, Yao Ming is able to return to the hardwood in the 2010 – 2011 season in some semblance of good health and lead the Houston Rockets to the season that they have hoped for.

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