Rockets' tactics to change without Yao

Yao Ming's left foot suffered from stress fracture, which was a thounderblow in the blue sky to the supporting fans. Without Yao Adelman needs to think again about the tactics Rockets are carrying out so far.

As one of the most efficient players in the paint, Yao is the last line of Rockets' defense and the dominant low-post scorer in offense. It's the guy who all the centers would not like to meet in the game.

Shaq O'neil was traded to Pheonix Suns and it's hard to say whether he is good enough to replace Shawn Marion but it's sure that Yao has outshined him since last season with his averaging 22.8 points and 10.8 rebounds. Yao is a representative of traditional centers in NBA. You hardly find such a center now in the NBA. He is tall, having great hands and beautiful moves, something rare to see today.

You may like Howard from Orlando Magic, the newly awarded slam dunk king. Muscular and strong, Magic's Howard is a monster like guy who can play the ball facing the basket but he is not a traditional center with all varieties of technics.

Nowadays' NBA only has Yao-one guy in the paint to show the technics of traditional centers.

You can't count on Mutombo to shoulder the responsibility with his shaky footsteps. Surely Mutombo is a real miracle in NBA to play 17 seasons, but he is dubiously to continue his next season since he plans to announce his retirement after this season. Plus, he does not have Yao's uncanny hands. Yao's free throws are undoubtedly the nightmare of many western teams.

Without Yao, Rockets need to change. Rick Adelman wants the team to play quicker, fluid transition. He had it in a way now. Yao is out of the season now and what will Adelman do with all star Tracy McGrady, Head, Alston, Scola, Landry, Mutombo in hands?

It seems that Mutombo will play a key role in the transition but everyone knows Yao and Mutombo are not at the same level. Yao is the pivot of Rockets and the fuel tank of Rockets, and he could score and play tough defense. Mutombo is a good defense player but not good enough in offense side. So Landry and Scola may shoulder the two sides of the paint. McGrady will become the transition center again though it has proved not a success for the team. Tracy is just not the type of player who can always encourage and activate others. The lucky thing is they still have Bobby Jackson.

The test is for Adelman now.