The emergence of China as an economic superpower

Despite Houston Rockets' 13 game winning streak and a record average of 22 points with 10.8 rebounds per game, the six-time NBA All Star center Yao Ming could not feel any worse. With only six months until the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, the director of Chinese Basketball Association, Hu Jiashi, said Yao was  diagnosed with a microscopic fracture in his left foot. It could have been his hectic 38 minutes per game season, which has officially ended for Yao, or a long time effect due to his immense height and weight. Regardless, this could leave Yao on the sidelines of the Olympics basketball court.

Although the crack in Yao's foot can only barely be detected even with a CAT scan, the injury is more serious than it looks. Not treating the fracture may mean a gloomy future for Yao and the Rockets, but treating the wound takes time--something Yao does not have on his side. "If I cannot play in the Olympics for my country this time, that would be the biggest loss in my career," said Yao. "I'm looking forward to a fast recovery in whatever way will make me come back quicker."

Yao is said to have two options: 1. undergoing surgery, which has an expected recovery time of four months; or 2. casting the foot, which takes three months to recover. While doctors say that Yao has enough time to recover and even practice/get back in shape for one month, fans of the Chinese basketball team say that Yao won't be in his best form even if he plays. Basketball requires teamwork, and Yao will be missing out when his national team starts training in early March. Head coach Jonas Kaslauskas has already reconfigured his strategies without Yao in the picture.

Any chance the Chinese team will reach the top six (their goal) in August?