In a recent interview with Chinese media, Yao Ming said he would consider retirement if his foot does not heal next season.The Breakdown
This news doesn't change anything in terms of Yao's fantasy value. If you were going to draft him, you already knew he is probably the most high risk/high reward player in the NBA. Now you also have to factor in that he could just call it quits if his foot still gives him problems. When he's completely healthy, you'll get 20 points and 10 rebounds nightly with 2 blocks and great percentages thrown in there as well. The problem in the last 5 years is that Yao has missed an average of 35 games a season. To make matters worse, Yao is coming off the most serious injury of his career. Even Yao's own outlook on his comeback has been far from optimistic. Personally, I don't envision him regaining his old form due to not only the injury, but also the rust he's accrued from not playing for about 18 months.
If you are considering drafting Yao Ming, here are my recommendations:
- Draft a top center early. If you are going to count on Yao as your main center, you're going to be in major trouble if he gets hurt. You'd want Yao as no better than your 2nd center, though I would be much more comfortable if he were my 3rd center. If he plays well and stays healthy, you can trade him or one of your other centers to fill holes on your roster.
- Don't draft him too early. I currently have Yao ranked at 83. I feel that is the very earliest you should pick him. If possible, wait another round or 2 to snatch him. Let someone else take the gamble while you draft players that are more likely to be fantasy basketball factors through the entire season.
- Be ready to trade him. If you get a good offer in the early going when Yao is playing well, don't be afraid to pull the trigger. You'll regret passing up a good deal if Yao ends up getting hurt.
