Though healing well and showing good progress, Yao Ming said there is no chance of him making a comeback during the 2009-2010 season.

“You don’t want to rush it, because they want it to totally heal this time,” Yao said, “I have been in this situation enough.”

“The (X-ray) picture looks good. The bones heal well.”

Because of his size and the chronic injuries to his leg and foot, this latest setback had many wondering if Yao would ever play basketball again.

To those wondering if Yao’s career would continue, Yao is certain that he would play again, but that he would have to adjust his style and schedule as to ensure that he wouldn’t seriously reinjure himself.

“Obviously, I want to play basketball. This is my life right there,” Yao said. “But for long term, believe me for long term, I need to slow down.”

The question is what does “slow down” mean in this case?  Does it mean less international competition with Team China?

To keep Yao fresh and so that he doesn’t reaggravate an injury, is the Houston staff going to rest Yao Ming, as the Phoenix Suns did with Shaquille O’Neal this past season?

Or does “slow down” mean Yao will become less aggressive in the post, playing more high-post rather than low-post?

Time will tell, but it’s encouraging to know that Yao will play again.

Houston fans can rest easy knowing that Yao will have the next year to continue healing and getting back into shape.