When Yao Returns it should be Off the Bench

It is not expected to be Tuesday night as earlier reported, but it won't be too long before Yao Ming is able to return to the active roster with the Houston Rockets.  Presumably his minutes will still be limited as he tries to come back from his foot surgery (and now the bone bruise ) that has kept him sidelined the past month.

So how should he be used?  From this corner it is pretty obvious.  The Rockets should use him where he can be the greatest force.  And if he still has to be limited in minutes he should not start but be part of the second unit to boost the offensive skills primarily in the second quarter.

A check of Rocket box scores this year shows a signficant drop off in points scored in the second quarter.  That is the period in which virtually all clubs use their benches.  The Rocket offensive production in that part of the game has been worse that what they have often shown in the final five or six minutes of the fourth quarter.

So why not use Yao off the bench?  To be fully effective on the offensive end he needs to have one of two outside shooters on the court with him and a point guard that can get the ball to the right people.  The Rockets DO have the players to fill those roles--especially when Aaron Brooks returns as the starting point guard. 

In addition to getting more offensive production in the second quarter Yao would also be available for 4th quarter action where the Rockets have struggled as well. 

His return does require the club play two styles during a game.  There is nothing wrong with that and it can be especially effective for this team.  All clubs have to do some things different in the second quarter when the Koby Bryants and Dirk Nowitzkis and Labron James are getting some minutes off.  I like the Rockets options much better than any of those other clubs if the Rockets are coming in with Yao Ming during that period. 

Yao Ming is till 7'6".  He is a major force in the middle without being able to jump or run fast.  He has soft hands, can hit from out on the court and the foul line.  He can reach enough rebounds with his arm stretch that, if able to play most of a full game, would still be a 20 point/ ten rebound player.  Smooth and spectacular he is not.  But he still has great value to the Rockets or any other NBA team.

What he could do for the Rockets off the bench might make the whole difference in the rest of this season.

Only-- he has to get back on the court--and be able to stay there.