Yao Ming injured – career over?

Rockets C Yao Ming will likely miss the rest of the season, and possibly end his career, due to another stress fracture in his left ankle.  The fracture is not the same bone as his previous injury, but is in the same ankle.

An MRI performed today revealed a stress fracture of the Medial Malleolus in his left ankle. The fracture, which is related to his previous injury of the Tarsal Navicular bone, presented itself during the course of his current rehabilitation program.

The news is terrible for Yao as he was trying to battle back from injury.  One now has to question whether he will ever play in the NBA again.

Yao has played just 5 games over the last 2 seasons due to injury and currently is the leading vote getter for the starting center spot for the Western Conference All-Stars.

Over his 9 year NBA career, Yao averaged 19.0 points and 9.3 rebounds in 486 games.  He was drafted with the 1st overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft and while he had tremendous expectations, injuries ultimately derailed his career.